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Nigeria’s Fight Against Substance Abuse Gains Momentum as Stakeholders Unite
By prince Benson Davies
The House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Drugs and Illicit Trafficking recently held a meeting with stakeholders to discuss ways to combat drug trafficking, alcohol, and tobacco abuse in Nigeria. The meeting, which was attended by representatives from various government agencies, NGOs, CSOs, and international organizations, aimed to strengthen the country’s efforts in addressing the growing problem of substance abuse.
The Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Dr. Oluwatimehin Adelegbe, emphasized the Speaker of the House of Representatives’ commitment to ending drug trafficking and substance abuse in Nigeria. He noted that the abuse of alcohol and tobacco is on the rise, and it’s essential to take urgent action to address the issue.
Prof. Jerry Sonny Ugokwe, Chairman of the Special Committee on Campaign Against Social Vices in Secondary and Tertiary Institutions, expressed concern about the involvement of primary and secondary school students in substance abuse. He pledged to work with the Committee and other stakeholders to achieve their goals.
Mr. Bibi Oduku, Chairman of Guard Time Information, Human Rights Activists Nationwide, highlighted the devastating impact of drug trafficking and substance abuse on society. He called for collaboration between their organization and federal law enforcement agencies to apprehend drug traffickers and pharmaceutical industries producing substandard products.
Dr. Femi Ajayi, National Project Officer of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Abuja, assured that his organization is committed to supporting developmental programs related to substance abuse in Nigeria.
The meeting concluded with a pledge from stakeholders to work together to combat substance abuse and drug trafficking in Nigeria. The Committee Chairman assured that the Committee would work hard to achieve its goals, with the support of all stakeholders.
