The House of Representatives has urged the Nigerian Government to declare a state of Emergency on Drugs addiction.
This was sequel to a Motion Under Matters of Urgent National Importance moved by a member from Benue State Francis Otagbo at plenary.
Leading the debate, the lawmaker observed drug addiction is the base of criminal activities.
He expressed concern about ‘how the illicit substances are available to the youths thereby painting a bleak future for them.’
Otagbo however urged the government at all levels, to stop playing lips service to the keg of gun powder waiting to explode to the detriment of the nation.
He advised the Nigerian Government to develop preventive strategies such as creating a general as well as a demographically-targeted enlightening campaign against drug abuse and its consequences and to direct the National Orientation Agency to device an enlightenment campaign programme against drug abuse in the country;
The lawmaker also urged the government to increase the budgetary allocation to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and ensure that the agency gets its funding directly from the presidency as was the case when it was set up in 1986.
He said; “Direct all relevant Government Health Institutions to develop new and improved treatments to help people with substance abuse disorders recover and achieve a normal life. Prevail the Nigerian Government to establish functional rehabilitation centres which will have the financial and bureaucratic status of Specialist Hospitals with Psychiatrists, Psychologist, Toxicologists, Professional Councilors and other Experts to manage these Hospitals and also mandate the Committees on Narcotic Drugs and Health Care Services to ensure the implementation of the resolution and report back within one week for further legislative action.”
Ruling on the motion, the Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila called for the establishment of well-manned rehabilitation centres across the country to battle the scourge.
He also mandated relevant committees of the House to ensure that the prayers of the motion are carried out and reported back to the house within six days.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
