By Suleiman Anyalewechi
The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA Brigadier General Buba Marwa rtd, has decried the rising rate of consumption of illegal substances among Nigerians.
This is even as he informed that the South West geo-political zone tops the list of people involved in the use of illegal drugs in the Country.
Speaking at the occasion of an awareness campaign against drug abuse, organized by the National Orientation Agency, NOA, for North-west region in Kaduna on Monday February 24, 2025, General Marwa, also, called on parents, guardians and all relevant stakeholders to join hands to rid the country of the ugly menace of drug abuse and trafficking.
The initiative which was also supported by the office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Tajudeen Abbas, is targeted at mitigating drug abuse in the North-west region, which was hitherto considered an epicenter of drug abuse and trafficking.
However, according to the NDLEA Chairman, available statistics have shown that the South-west region tops the chart in the consumption of hard substances in the country.
The South-south, South-east, North- west and North- central follow respectively in that order after the South-west.
The NDLEA boss while expressing deep appreciation
to the organizers of the sensitization programme harped on the imperativeness of halting the devastating activities of illegal drug trafficking and consumption in the country.
He particularly sued for a robust collaboration between the Government,and other stakeholders to ensure the eradication of drug abuse and trafficking in our societies.
“This effort (the awareness campaign) is a testament to your commitment to building a society free from the devastating consequences of substance abuse.
“Like many other nations, Nigeria is grappling with the tragic consequences of drug abuse, particularly among its youth.
“The 2018 National Drug use Survey conducted by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, UNODC revealed an alarming reality: 14.3 million Nigerians aged 15–64 use psychoactive substances.
Even more disturbing is the fact that one in four drug users in Nigeria is female ,while one in five suffers from drug use disorder.
A close look at the North West geo-political zone ,comprising Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara States presents an even more concerning picture.
With an estimated 25 million.people in 2016 ,this zone remain the most populous in Nigeria .The Survey estimated that 12 percent of the region’s population approximately three million people are drug users.
The most commonly abused substances include cannabis ,followed by the non-medical use of opioids such as tramadol ,codeine,and morphine ,as well as cough syrups containing codeine or dextromethorphaMarwa stated.
Further speaking,the NDLEA chairman informed that ,Kano the most densely populated ,ranks the highest among the seven North West states in hard substances abuse.
Jigawa state ,with about % 7.0.users , is said to rank the lowest .
” These figures are deeply troubling and underscore the urgent need for collective actions to combat drug abuse and its devastating consequences.
“The North-west like other regions of Nigeria has seen a surge in drug related crimes, addiction and social decay. Drug use is not merely a law enforcement issue, it is a public health crisis, a social problem and an economic burden.
“Its effects ripple through families, school, workplaces and communities, leading to health crises, lost productivity, financial strain and increased security threats.
“There is a strong link between drug abuse and criminal activities such as banditry, terrorism kidnappings, and murder.
However, beyond the crime statistics, we must recognize the human cost of this epidemic addiction, broken homes, lost opportunities, mental health crises, preventable deaths and an overburdened healthcare” General Marwa, noted.
Consequently, he stated that the enormity of drug -induced crises are such that demand concerted efforts from law enforcement agencies, traditional and religious leaders, civil society groups, the media and the entire community to handle.
He emphasized the need for Governors and other relevant authorities to complement the efforts of the agency in the fight against drug abuse, through the building of more rehabilitation centres.
“We call on Governors in the zone (North West) to please build at least three rehabilitation centres in their States, one in each Senatorial District because of the enormity and consequences of this menace (drug abuse) on the socio-economic well being of our citizens and the security of everyone if left to fester.
General Marwa reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the NDLEA in combating drug abuse and other drug related crimes.
“We, therefore, urge State Governments, law makers, local authorities and private stakeholders to partner with us to ensure long-lasting solutions”, the NDLEA Chairman stated
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