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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has revealed that approximately three million people in the North-West geopolitical zone are struggling with drug addiction.
Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, disclosed this on Monday during the flag-off ceremony of the North-West geopolitical zone campaign against illicit drug use in Kaduna.
The NDLEA boss said the sensitisation campaign, themed “Stop Drug Abuse and Domestic Violence in Our Communities,” reflects the commitment to building a society free from the devastating consequences of substance abuse.
The sensitisation programme was facilitated by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and organised by the National Orientation Agency in collaboration with the NDLEA.
“We are facing a major public health crisis. The 2018 National Drug Use Survey conducted by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime revealed an alarming reality: 14.3 million Nigerians aged 15 – 64 use psychoactive substances,” Marwa said.
He noted that the North-West zone, comprising seven states— Kaduna, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Kebbi, Zamfara, and Sokoto — has been severely affected by drug abuse, with Kano recording the highest prevalence rate at 16%.
“A closer look at the North-West geopolitical zone presents an even more concerning picture. With an estimated population of 25 million in 2016, this zone remains the most populous in Nigeria. The survey estimated that 12% of the region’s population — approximately three million people — are drug users,” Marwa said.
The NDLEA boss emphasised the need for collective action to combat drug abuse, calling on state governments, lawmakers, local authorities, and private stakeholders to partner with the agency to find lasting solutions.
“The success of this campaign requires the support of everyone. Parents, community leaders, traditional rulers, pastors, and imams must strengthen their resolve to prevent drug abuse, support those affected by it, and ensure that drug traffickers face the full force of the law,” he said.
Marwa also disclosed that the NDLEA has established 30 counselling and rehabilitation centres nationwide, providing psychosocial interventions, medical care, referrals, and social reintegration for recovering drug users.
“A total of 22,047 persons have been counselled, treated, and rehabilitated through these facilities in the past four years,” Marwa added.
He commended the National Orientation Agency (NOA) for organising the event and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, for facilitating the initiative.
Marwa also called on governors in the North-West zone to build at least three rehabilitation centres in their states, with one in each senatorial district.
“We urge state governments, lawmakers, local authorities, and private stakeholders to partner with us to find long-term solutions. A few states have already provided land for barracks and other logistical support for NDLEA commands, and we encourage others to do the same,” he said.
The NDLEA boss further emphasised the need to provide alternative sources of income for those involved in the cultivation and distribution of illicit substances.
“We have established an Alternative Development Unit in my office to collaborate with stakeholders on providing alternative sources of income. The UNODC has commended us as the first in Africa to implement this initiative,” Marwa added.
Marwa urged all stakeholders to sustain the momentum beyond the flag-off ceremony, stressing the need for collective effort, determination, and the right policies to combat drug abuse.
“Let us reinforce our commitment to a drug-free Nigeria, one community at a time. With collective effort, determination, and the right policies, we can defeat the scourge of drug abuse and build a healthier, safer, and more prosperous nation,” the NDLEA boss said.
Speaking earlier, the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Lanre Issa-Onilu, launched a four-month campaign against drug abuse and violent crimes in the zone, stressing the need for collective action against the growing menace.
Issa-Onilu cited statistics from the UNODC and the United States’ National Institute on Drug Abuse, which highlight the urgent need for intervention.
“Drug abuse is not just a national challenge; it is a crisis that threatens the very fabric of our society. Research has shown a direct link between drug abuse and violent crimes, including armed robbery, kidnapping, terrorism, domestic violence, and sexual assault.
“We must act decisively to break the cycle of addiction and crime. We must mobilise our communities, especially our youth, to resist and reject drug culture and criminal activities,” he said.
The NOA boss commended the efforts of the NDLEA and called for increased collaboration between stakeholders to dismantle criminal networks.
“We must work together to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse, mobilise our communities to take action, and advocate for the rehabilitation and reintegration of those affected by addiction and crime,” he said.
The campaign, a collaborative effort between NOA and stakeholders at federal, state, and local levels, aims to create a safer and more prosperous North-West zone.
“We urge all stakeholders to join hands with us to make this campaign a success. Together, we can achieve a safer, drug-free North-West zone,” he said.
The flag-off ceremony was attended by dignitaries, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, who convened the programme, as well as traditional and religious leaders, community elders, youth groups, and civil society organisations.
