Drug addiction and trafficking epidemic in Nigeria can be tackled with enhanced security collaboration and coordination.
The Chief Consultant Psychiatrist & Head, Drug and Alcohol Treatment, Education and Research, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Kaduna Dr Ebiti William gave the suggestion at the unveiling of a book titled ‘The Last Syndicate‘ in Abuja, Nigeria.
The book launch was organized by Celebrity drug-free club in collaboration with the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, as part of activities marking World Drug Week.
Dr William, in a paper titled, ‘Sustaining the re-engineered war against drug abuse in Nigeria; The way forward’, decried the level of drug use due to its availability in Africa, especially West Africa.
Dr William advocated for the disruption of the production and supply of illicit drugs in Nigeria.
He called for the eradication of the cultivation of crops used for the production of the illicit substance.
Legislative Reforms
Speaking on stronger legislative reforms on the drug war, Dr William called for a comprehensive drug control law and the strengthening of law enforcement
powers.
He argued that ensuring asset forfeiture and proceeds of crime laws, confidential information protection, enhanced penalties for drug trafficking, training, and standards for law enforcement, community engagement, and support would greatly add impetus to the drug war.
Dr William identified corruption as another element in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking.
He said, “Corruption can undermine law enforcement efforts, compromise investigations, and erode public trust.”
Also speaking, the Chief Executive National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA, Retired Brig. General Mohammed Buba Marwa reiterated the commitment of the agency to supporting organizations fighting drug trafficking in the country.
Represented by the Director Media and Advocacy of the agency, Mr Femi BabaFemi, Marwa commended the efforts of Anti-narcotic NGOs in providing more enlightenment on the ills of drug abuse and trafficking.
Role of Media
The Director General of Voice of Nigeria, VON, Mr Osita Okechukwu stressed the need for a holistic attack on the drug epidemic in Nigeria.
Okechukwu expressed the commitment of VON in advancing the advocacy on the war against drug trafficking in the country and beyond.
Development partners at the event expressed their readiness to support the drug war in Nigeria.
The book author, a commandant in NDLEA Mr Mitchell Ofoyeju said the book launch was a dream come true in providing more enlightenment to the dangers of drugs and solutions in tackling the menace.
Emmanuel Ukoh
