The House of Representatives has called upon the Federal Government to develop preventive measures against drug abuse and its repercussions.
Recognizing that these measures should include both a comprehensive nationwide awareness campaign and targeted educational initiatives, the House urges the government to task the National Orientation Agency with designing an enlightenment campaign to address drug abuse in the country.
Furthermore, the House urges the government to allocate a larger budget to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and ensure that the agency receives direct funding from the Presidency, as it did when initially established in 1989.
The House also advocates for all relevant government healthcare institutions to develop new and improved treatments to assist individuals with substance abuse disorders in their recovery journey towards leading normal lives.
Additionally, the House emphasizes the need for functional rehabilitation centers that possess the financial and bureaucratic status equivalent to specialist hospitals.
These centers should be equipped with psychiatrists, psychologists, toxicologists, counselors, and other experts who can effectively manage and treat patients.
Moreover, the House mandates its Committees on Narcotic Drugs and Health Care Services to oversee the implementation of these resolutions. They are to report back within six weeks for further legislative action.
These resolutions were prompted by a motion of urgent public importance presented by Francis Agbo, the Chairman of the House Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, during the plenary session on Thursday.
The motion, titled ‘A Motion on the Consequences of Illicit Drug Abuse: A Call for Federal Government’s Concerted Efforts at Eliminating the Menace,’ underscores the strong connection between the level of narcotic drug abuse and the frequency and severity of crimes in society, including Nigeria.
Agbo highlights the fact that drug abuse and addiction do not discriminate based on age, with even young individuals below the age of 15 becoming heavy drug users.
He expresses concern about the detrimental impact this has on the future leaders of Nigeria and the overall well-being of the nation.
Agbo further laments that the rise in illicit drug abuse has given rise to an underground economy where criminal activities thrive, causing harm to both legitimate businesses and the country’s reputation.
He criticizes the insufficient funding, staffing, and equipment provided to the NDLEA, the agency responsible for combating the narcotics industry, which renders it ineffective.
Agbo asserts that while drug abuse is on the rise, the fight against it is progressing at a much slower rate.
The lawmaker expresses particular concern over the widespread abuse of cannabis, described by the World Health Organization as the most commonly abused drug globally, in Nigeria.
Agbo also raises alarm about the growing trend of synthetic and designer drug abuse in Nigeria, along with the increased usage of household items and easily accessible narcotizing agents such as amphetamines, methamphetamines, cocaine, heroin, paint thinner, glue, codeine-laced cough syrup, cement, and animal excrement.
Consequently, the House is deeply concerned that this tragic phenomenon affects all segments and demographics of Nigerian society.
It emphasizes the need for close collaboration between governments at all levels, the private sector, and families to combat this menace. Failing to address narcotic drug addiction as a nation could lead to the destruction of Nigeria.