NDLEA reports 3 Million Drug addicts in North-West Nigeria
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has raised an alarm over the increasing rate of drug addiction in Nigeria’s North-West region, stating that approximately three million people in the zone are affected. NDLEA Chairman Brigadier General Buba Marwa (retd.) closed this alarming statistic while emphasizing the urgent need for collective efforts to combat the growing crisis.
According to Marwa, the 2018 National Drug Use Survey conducted by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) revealed that 14.3 million Nigerians aged 15-64 engage in psychoactive substance use. The North-West zone, which comprises seven states – Kaduna, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Kebbi, Zamfara, and Sokoto – has been severely affected, with Kano State recording the highest prevalence rate at 16%.
“A closer look at the North-West geopolitical zone presents an even more concerning picture. With an estimated population of 25 million in 2016, this zone remains the most populous in Nigeria. The survey estimated that 12% of the region’s population, approximately three million people, are drug users,” Marwa stated.
In response to the crisis, Marwa stressed the need for a united approach involving state governments, lawmakers, local authorities, and private stakeholders. He urged parents, community leaders, religious figures, and security agencies to take a stand against drug abuse and ensure that drug traffickers are held accountable.
“The success of this campaign requires the support of everyone. Parents, community leaders, traditional rulers, pastors, and imams must strengthen their resolve to prevent drug abuse, support those affected by it, and ensure that drug traffickers face the full force of the law,” Marwemphasised.
To address the crisis, the NDLEA has established 30 counselling and rehabilitation centres across the country. These centres provide psychosocial interventions, medical care, referrals, and social reintegration programmes for recovering drug users. Over the past four years, a total of 22,047 persons have benefitted from these services.
Marwa called on governors in the North-West region to take further action by constructing at least three rehabilitation centres in each state, with one in every senatorial district. “A few states have already provided land for barracks and other logistical support for NDLEA commands, and we encourage others to do the same,” he noted.
Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of providing alternative sources of income for those involved in the cultivation and distribution of illicit substances, stating that economic empowerment is a crucial component of any long-term solution.
In a separate development, the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) has addressed concerns regarding the recent decision of the Ministry of Interior to discontinue Nigeria’s Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) policy. The decision, announced by Minister of Interior Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has sparked mixed reactions among investors and the international community.
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Tunji-Ojo described the policy as “unsustainable” and a potential security risk. Speaking at the graduation ceremony of 100 officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service who completed a five-day specialised training in national security and law enforcement, he revealed that new regulations would require pre-arrival clearance from Interpol, criminal record systems, and other real-time background-check agencies.
Reacting to the announcement, PEBEC Director-General Princess Zahrah Audu sought to reassure investors and the international community that the council is actively engaging with the minister to find a balanced solution.
“We understand the anxiety this has caused among the foreign community and would like to assure all stakeholders that PEBEC is actively engaging with the minister to find a solution. PEBEC has a proven track record of driving reforms to improve the ease of doing business in Nigeria,” Audu stated.
She further emphasized that the primary objective is to strengthen security around the VoA process while maintaining the policy’s benefits for tourism, trade, and investment.
“Our primary objective is to strengthen security around the VOA process while maintaining the policy, which has been instrumental in promoting tourism, trade, and investment in Nigeria. We have implemented various initiatives to simplify procedures, reduce bottlenecks, and create a more conducive atmosphere for businesses to thrive,” she explained.
Audu called for collaboration and dialogue to resolve security concerns and maintain an efficient VoA system that benefits all stakeholders.
“We believe that with collaboration and dialogue, we can address the security issues identified and achieve a secure and efficient VOA process that benefits all parties involved. We urge the foreign community to remain calm and confident in our ability to resolve this matter,” she concluded.
As Nigeria grapples with drug addiction challenges in the North-West and reforms in immigration policy, collaboration among key stakeholders remains essential. Addressing drug abuse requires a multi-faceted approach, including rehabilitation, economic empowerment, and strict law enforcement. Meanwhile, balancing security concerns with the ease of doing business will be critical in shaping the future of Nigeria’s Visa-on-Arrival policy. With ongoing engagements, the nation aims to find sustainable solutions that serve both security and economic interests.
Content Credit| This article was originally published by https://punchng.com/
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