The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, says Nigeria must impose stringent penalties on individuals involved in drug trafficking to foster a more harmonious society.
He made the call at the close of a three-day sensitisation programme against drug abuse and domestic violence held in Kaduna.
The Speaker emphasised that drug abuse represented a significant threat to the well-being of the community.
“We must punish those who profit from drugs. We must also treat those who have become trapped by them. The dealer needs the law. The dependent person needs care,” Abbas said.
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He stressed that government, communities and individuals all had roles to play in tackling drug abuse and domestic violence.
“The government is present. The law is active. The public must also participate.” Abbas stated.
The Speaker urged parents, schools, pharmacists, traditional and religious leaders, community members and young people to play active roles in preventing drug abuse and domestic violence.
“Parents must watch for sudden changes in conduct. Schools must provide counselling and report warning signs. Pharmacists and medicine vendors must reject the unlawful sale of controlled substances.
“Traditional and religious leaders must reject silence around addiction and abuse. Neighbours must report violence. Market and transport unions must report suspicious movement of drugs. Young people must reject pressure and seek help when needed.
“Victims should seek safety, obtain medical care, preserve evidence, and report abuse. Communities must protect them, not punish them with blame or shame.” The Lawmaker urged.
Abbas recalled the last edition of the programme in February 2025, which heralded a four-month campaign across the North-West.
“We promised to take the message beyond conference halls. We promised to engage traditional rulers, religious leaders, teachers, parents, young people, and community organisations,” he said.
He noted that the 2026 edition of the programme showed that “we have kept that promise.”
The programme, which was part of the Speaker’s constituency outreach, was organised in collaboration with the National Orientation Agency (NOA).
The Speaker said NOA had taken the campaign into Kaduna’s streets and communities, while its officers were engaging market leaders, transport workers, youth groups and traditional institutions “because prevention begins with proper information.”
While commending the Director-General of NOA, Lanre Issa Onilu, and his team, Abbas also appreciated the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and the state agencies.
The Speaker warned that drug abuse could worsen social and security challenges, stressing that drug use could not be used as an excuse for violence.
“Drugs can impair judgement, increase aggression, and deepen poverty. But drugs never excuse violence. Every person remains responsible for his or her actions. Domestic violence is not discipline or culture. It is abuse. It harms the victim, frightens children, and weakens the community,” Abbas stressed.
He maintained that the effects of drug abuse extended beyond individual families to communities and the wider security system.
“The damage caused by drugs does not stop at the family door. It spreads into our streets, schools, markets, and security system. Drug trafficking gives criminal networks money. The same hidden routes can carry drugs, illegal weapons, criminal funds, and violent offenders. Drugs do not explain every crime, but they are part of Nigeria’s wider security challenge.” Abbas explained.
The Speaker stated that “every shipment stopped can deny criminals money for weapons and recruitment,” stressing that “every person rescued from addiction is one less person exposed to violent groups.”
Abbas further explained that drug control was part of the fight against banditry and kidnapping in the North-West.
“Security forces may clear the camps. Communities must help cut the supply lines,” he said.
He outlined the roles of enforcement, education, treatment and community vigilance in tackling the problem.
“Enforcement stops the shipment. Education reduces the demand. Treatment restores the individual. Community vigilance protects the neighbourhood.” Abbas stated.
The Speaker commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for retaining Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd.) as Director-General of the NDLEA and supporting enforcement, international cooperation, public education and treatment, including a new 50-bed rehabilitation centre in Maiduguri.
Abbas said the National Assembly had consistently played its part in strengthening the fight against drug abuse and related crimes.
“The National Assembly has consistently played its part. In 2024, the House called for a preventive drug testing programme in secondary schools and directed NOA and NDLEA to expand student awareness.
“The House also moved against the indiscriminate sale of prescription medicines. We called for illegal outlets to close and for stronger joint enforcement by the responsible agencies.
“We have considered bills to strengthen the NDLEA Act. In 2025, the House called for faster investigation and prosecution of femicide, homicide, and related violence. We will continue to fund enforcement and treatment, close gaps in the law, and demand results through oversight.” He added.
