NDLEA’s Bold Move to Combat Drug Abuse Among Nigerian Youth
Alarming Statistics on Drug Use in Nigeria
Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd), Chairman/CEO of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has revealed a startling statistic: one in seven Nigerians aged 15-64 currently uses drugs. This alarming figure underscores the urgent need for intervention in Nigeria’s growing substance abuse crisis.
Video credit to: AN24 TV
Preventive Approach Through Drug Integrity Tests
During a meeting with NYSC officials in Abuja, Marwa emphasized that the agency’s drug integrity tests for youth corps members and prospective couples are not punitive measures. Instead, they serve as preventive tools to discourage substance abuse and provide early intervention opportunities. Those testing positive will receive treatment before developing dependence or severe health complications.
The Devastating Impact of Drug Abuse
Drug abuse continues to wreak havoc on Nigerian society, particularly among youth. The consequences are far-reaching:
- Disrupted education and career prospects
- Increased health challenges and psychiatric disorders
- Financial burden on families and healthcare systems
Root Causes and Preventive Measures
Young Nigerians turn to drugs for various reasons, including peer pressure, performance enhancement, and misguided beliefs about their effects. The NDLEA proposes a multi-pronged approach combining:
- Mandatory drug tests for students and NYSC members
- Education and counseling programs
- Rehabilitation services
Call for Comprehensive Action
To effectively combat this epidemic, stakeholders recommend:
- Strengthening enforcement against drug traffickers
- Ensuring integrity in drug testing processes
- Sustaining nationwide anti-drug campaigns
- Adequate funding for NDLEA operations
The NDLEA’s initiatives represent a crucial step in safeguarding Nigeria’s future generations from the scourge of drug abuse. With proper implementation and stakeholder support, these measures could significantly reduce substance abuse rates among Nigerian youth.