The Federal Ministry of Youth Development has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other relevant stakeholders to address the growing challenge of drug abuse among Nigerian youths.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Maryam Ismaila Keshinro, stated this when a delegation from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) visited the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to explore areas of collaboration in tackling drug abuse and its effects on young Nigerians.
Keshinro commended the NDLEA for its commitment to working with the Ministry in the fight against drug abuse, noting that the challenge requires concerted efforts by government institutions and other relevant stakeholders.
She expressed optimism about the growing collaboration among relevant government agencies, particularly initiatives aimed at educating and sensitising young people to the dangers associated with drug abuse and substance misuse.
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According to her, “There is so much to do with your proposed programme, and the Ministry is looking for a way to join in the fight against this menace.”
The Permanent Secretary called for stronger inter-agency collaboration, stressing the need for relevant government institutions to work together to prevent drug abuse and ensure that young people entering the public service are adequately screened and sensitised to the dangers of substance abuse.
She further disclosed that the Ministry would welcome the participation of the NDLEA in its planned Youth Confabs scheduled for October 2026, where young Nigerians will be educated and sensitised on the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of making healthy and responsible choices.
Speaking on behalf of the NDLEA delegation, the Assistant Commander General of Narcotics (ACGN) and Director, Counselling, Treatment and Rehabilitation, Muhammed Bashir Ibrahim, conveyed the greetings and goodwill of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, Mohamed Buba Marwa.
He said the Agency was committed to strengthening partnerships with relevant stakeholders to address the growing challenge of drug abuse among young Nigerians.
According to him, the fight against drug abuse requires a coordinated and sustained approach involving government institutions and other relevant stakeholders, particularly given the vulnerability of young people to the dangers associated with substance abuse.
Ibrahim expressed optimism that collaboration between the NDLEA and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development would provide a stronger platform for prevention, awareness creation, counselling, treatment and rehabilitation, while empowering young Nigerians to make healthy and productive choices.
In his remarks, the Director, Youth Mental Health and Psychosocial Department, Mr Emmanuel Essein, emphasised the need for greater attention to the mental and emotional well-being of young people.
He noted that addressing mental health challenges is essential to building a healthy, productive and resilient youth population.
