Illicit drugs, threat to Nigeria’s future, says Marwa 

From Bashir Rabe Mani in Sokoto

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency ( NDLEA), retired Brig.-Gen

 Buba Marwa, has cautioned that Nigeria’s future stands gloomy unless the raging drugs abuse is urgently tamed.

“The future of Nigeria and that of its teeming population isn’t adequately guaranteed unless the drugs abuse menace affecting the country currently is swiftly curtailed,” Marwa said at the weekend in Sokoto.

 The NDLEA Boss spoke a sensitisation program on coping with drug abuse organized by the Sokoto Advancement Forum in collaboration with the Centre For Peace Studies, Usmanu Danfodiyo University.

Represented by Dr Shehu Dankolo, the Agency’s Director, Prevention and Sensitization, Marwa, who commended the organizers of the event, reiterated the unwavering commitment of NDLEA to protecting Nigerian youths from the scourge of substance abuse

According to him, drugs abuse is not merely a law enforcement problem, but a public health, social, educational, developmental and security challenge that requires collective action.

Marwa said the drug problem has continued to evolve globally and nationally, as aptly captured  by the theme of this year’s World Drug Day : “THE WORLD DRUG PROBLEM: Persistent issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses”.

According to the NDLEA Chairman, while old drug problems persist, new Psychotropic substances, changing trafficking patterns, increasing drug availability, and emerging social pressures have continued to expose the youths to unprecedented risks.

“Sokoto State like every other state in Nigeria so not immune to this challenge.

“Across communities, educational institutions, and urban centres, we continue to witness the harmful consequences of the misuse of Cannabis, Tramadol, Codeine-based preparations, Methamphetamine psychoactive substances.

“The consequences are devastating: First, there are health consequences, drug abuse contributes to addictions, mental health disorders, poor academic performance, overdose, infectious disease and avoidable deaths.

“Second, there are security consequences. Evidence from law enforcement operations consistently shows that many acts of violence, banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery and other criminal activities are facilitated or aggravated by substance abuse.”

Marwa also stated that drug abuse has developmental consequences, as “every young person trapped in addiction represents lost potential, diminished productivity, weakened families and reduced prospects for national development.

“Drugs abuse destroys dreams, weakens families, fuels crime and undermine national development, among others.”

The Chairman of the Sokoto Advancement Forum, Amb. Ahmed Muhammad Wali, assured that the organization is committed to ensuring that the outcomes of the deliberations are translated into concrete action.

Represented by his Deputy , Prof. Riskuwa Arabu Shehu, former Vice-Chancellor, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Wali said, “In shaa Allah, we shall within two weeks compile and circulate a comprehensive report of all ideas, recommendations, and proposed solutions.

“We are ready to work with the Sokoto State Government, other government agencies, security organizations, religious bodies, and civil society organizations as well as the media to ensure implementation of viable recommendations.

“We will continue to monitor progress and convene follow-up sessions as necessary.”

He said Sokoto State has a proud history of Islamic civilization, scholarship, leadership, and very high moral and ethical standing.

“The Sokoto Caliphate was built on principles of justice, knowledge, and community welfare.

“Our forebears understood that education and child welfare are not peripheral concerns but central to societal progress and Islamic duty. Let us rededicate ourselves to reviving and sustaining that legacy.”

Our Correspondent reports that an array of eminent scholars and other distinguished professionals, groups, organizations and security agencies made presentations at the historic event, all geared towards collectively finding solutions to the obnoxious drugs abuse quagmire in Sokoto State and Nigeria in general.