The problem of drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria is “on its way to being under control”, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa has said.
Marwa told the Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria in New York that with the support from the Federal Government, foreign partners and stakeholders, Nigeria would win the war against drug abuse and trafficking.
He described the problem of drugs in Nigeria as “a ravaging epidemic” saying “it is for this reason that we remained upstanding to do our best with what we have and with the support we have been receiving from the Federal Government.
He said “We plan to go to local governments for sensitisation; we are constrained at this moment with the size of our workforce but with the approval of the President, we have recruited more personnel. We have recruited more personnel to increase our size to enable us to go into the local governments so that each local government will eventually have its own special command. We also have special command at the seaports, international airports and we are in the process of setting up engagement in the railway stations. I should add that we are collaborating with road transport workers because of this issue of drivers who use drugs to give them the capacity, in their thinking, to stay alert to drive for longer hours. We believe that with the support we are getting from the Presidency, the matter of drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria is on its way to being under control. We (Nigeria) have not been able to control it (Tramadol) because they are still bringing it in excess of 100gm and all forms; we are trying to control it and now, you want to add another thing. We don’t have the mechanics to control it (cannabis); it is very dangerous for us to step in there (legalise cannabis). We should be trying to find ways to reduce it. The argument has been if it is for commercial purposes. We have to find out if it is human lives we are interested in or money. If we do such, we will end up spending the money realised to build rehabilitation centres for these people (users). It is a worthless effort; that is the view of NDLEA at this moment. I must say that the use of drugs is an illness, especially when it gets to addiction. They (addicts) can’t help themselves, they need to be helped. The efforts will not be towards criminalising or penalising them but to help them to be treated, so we encourage those under drugs to seek treatment. Twenty per cent of the drug users in Nigeria have drug use disorder. They need help and we encourage that,’’