Shocking Drug Crisis: 3 Million Nigerians in Northwest Addicted

Shocking Drug Crisis: 3 Million Nigerians in Northwest Addicted

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has raised alarm over the growing drug addiction crisis in Northwest Nigeria, revealing that nearly three million people in the region are battling substance abuse.

Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, made this revelation on Monday during the launch of an anti-drug abuse campaign in Kaduna. The campaign, themed “Stop Drug Abuse and Domestic Violence in Our Communities,” is part of a broader effort to combat the escalating drug problem.

Marwa stressed that Nigeria is facing a public health emergency. He cited the 2018 National Drug Use Survey by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which found that 14.3 million Nigerians between the ages of 15 and 64 use psychoactive substances.

“The North-West zone, home to about 25 million people as of 2016, has been severely affected by this crisis. The survey estimates that 12% of the population—approximately three million individuals—are drug users,” Marwa stated.

He revealed that Kano State has the highest drug use rate in the region, with a staggering 16% prevalence.

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Urgent Call for Action

Marwa called for a united front against drug abuse, urging state governments, lawmakers, and local authorities to work together to curb the crisis. He also emphasized the role of religious leaders, parents, and community heads in raising awareness and providing support for those affected.

“The success of this campaign requires collective effort. Parents, community leaders, traditional rulers, pastors, and imams must play active roles in preventing drug abuse, helping affected individuals, and ensuring traffickers face justice,” he said.

Rehabilitation and Support

To tackle the crisis, NDLEA has established 30 counselling and rehabilitation centres across the country, providing medical care, psychosocial support, and reintegration programs for recovering addicts.

“In the past four years, we have treated and rehabilitated 22,047 individuals in our facilities,” Marwa disclosed.

He commended the National Orientation Agency (NOA) for organizing the campaign and acknowledged the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, for facilitating the initiative.

Need for More Rehabilitation Centers

Marwa urged state governments in the North-West to build at least three rehabilitation centres each, one in every senatorial district.

“A few states have already allocated land for NDLEA barracks and provided logistical support, but more needs to be done,” he added.

Alternative Livelihood for Drug Cultivators

The NDLEA boss highlighted the need for economic alternatives for individuals involved in drug cultivation and trafficking. He mentioned that the agency has set up an Alternative Development Unit to collaborate with stakeholders in providing legal sources of income.

“We are the first in Africa to implement this initiative, and the UNODC has commended our efforts,” Marwa stated.

Sustaining the Fight Against Drug Abuse

Marwa emphasized that the fight against drug abuse must extend beyond the launch of the campaign.

“Let us remain committed to building a drug-free Nigeria. Through collaboration, determination, and the right policies, we can overcome this menace,” he declared.

NOA’s Commitment to the Campaign

Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Issa-Onilu, echoed Marwa’s concerns, launching a four-month awareness campaign against drug abuse and violent crimes in the region.

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Issa-Onilu stressed the direct link between drug abuse and crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping, terrorism, domestic violence, and sexual assault.

“Drug abuse is a national crisis threatening our society. We must act decisively to break the cycle of addiction and crime,” he said.

He praised NDLEA’s efforts and called for increased collaboration between stakeholders to dismantle drug trafficking networks.

“We need to raise awareness, mobilize communities, and advocate for the rehabilitation and reintegration of those affected,” he urged.

The campaign, a joint effort between NOA and other stakeholders at federal, state, and local levels, aims to create a safer and more prosperous North-West Nigeria.

Dignitaries Support the Initiative

The event drew high-profile attendees, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, alongside traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, and civil society organizations.

The widespread participation underscores the urgency of tackling drug addiction in the region, with calls for immediate and sustained action to curb the menace.