Three Million Nigerians Affected by Drug Addiction – NDLEA

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has revealed that around three million individuals in the North-West geopolitical zone are grappling with drug addiction. Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, shared this information on Monday during the commencement of the campaign against illicit drug use in Kaduna.

The campaign, themed “Stop Drug Abuse and Domestic Violence in Our Communities,” aims to raise awareness and reflects a commitment to building a society free from the detrimental impacts of substance abuse. The event was organized by the National Orientation Agency, in partnership with the NDLEA, and facilitated by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

“We are facing a major public health crisis. The 2018 National Drug Use Survey conducted by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime revealed an alarming reality: 14.3 million Nigerians aged 15 – 64 use psychoactive substances,” Marwa said. He pointed out that the North-West zone, which includes Kaduna, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Kebbi, Zamfara, and Sokoto, has been severely affected by drug abuse, with Kano 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 explained.

He highlighted the importance of collective action in tackling drug abuse and called for cooperation among state governments, lawmakers, local authorities, and private sector stakeholders to find sustainable solutions. “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,” Marwa emphasized.

The NDLEA has also established 30 counselling and rehabilitation centres across the country, providing a range of services, including psychosocial interventions, medical care, and social reintegration for recovering drug users. “A total of 22,047 persons have been counselled, treated, and rehabilitated through these facilities in the past four years,” Marwa noted.

Furthermore, Marwa encouraged governors in the North-West zone to establish at least three rehabilitation centres in their states, one for each senatorial district, to help combat drug addiction. He also underscored the importance of providing alternative sources of income for individuals involved in the cultivation and distribution of illicit substances. “We have established an Alternative Development Unit in my office to collaborate with stakeholders on providing alternative sources of income. The UNODC has commended us as the first in Africa to implement this initiative,” he said.

Marwa called for continued efforts beyond the campaign’s flag-off, stressing that collective determination and effective policies are key to eradicating drug abuse. “Let us reinforce our commitment to a drug-free Nigeria, one community at a time. With collective effort, determination, and the right policies, we can defeat the scourge of drug abuse and build a healthier, safer, and more prosperous nation.”

Earlier, Lanre Issa-Onilu, Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), launched a four-month campaign aimed at addressing drug abuse and violent crimes in the region. He emphasized the importance of collective action against these challenges, citing the direct connection between drug abuse and violent crimes like robbery, kidnapping, and domestic violence. “We must act decisively to break the cycle of addiction and crime. We must mobilise our communities, especially our youth, to resist and reject drug culture and criminal activities,” Issa-Onilu urged.

The NOA director also applauded the NDLEA’s efforts and called for enhanced collaboration among all stakeholders to dismantle criminal networks. “We must work together to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse, mobilise our communities to take action, and advocate for the rehabilitation and reintegration of those affected by addiction and crime,” he said.

The campaign, a joint effort between the NOA and various federal, state, and local agencies, seeks to create a safer and more prosperous North-West zone. “We urge all stakeholders to join hands with us to make this campaign a success. Together, we can achieve a safer, drug-free North-West zone,” he concluded.

The event was attended by various dignitaries, including Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the House of Representatives, as well as traditional and religious leaders, community elders, youth groups, and civil society organizations.