In a significant move, the House of Representatives has taken a decisive step to combat the alarming rise in drug abuse among Nigerian youth. On Wednesday, the legislative body mandated the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to eliminate drug bunkers nationwide. This proactive measure comes in response to a recent report highlighting the increasing involvement of Nigerian youth in drug abuse.
Before delving into the response from the House of Representatives, it’s crucial to understand the gravity of the issue at hand. Drug abuse among Nigerian youth has been on the rise, posing a significant challenge to the nation’s social fabric and future prospects. Various factors, including economic hardships, peer pressure, and lack of awareness, contribute to the vulnerability of young individuals to substance abuse.
Leading the debate, Ukpong-Udo noted that drug bunkers are being opened in strategic locations across major cities in Nigeria, a development that, he said, portends danger for society
The House of Representatives on Wednesday mandated the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency to do away with drug bunks nationwide owing to a recent report alerting Nigeria of her youth’s involvement in drug abuse.
The House cited a report credited to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, which found over 14.3 million Nigerians aged 15–64 to be involved in drug abuse.
The resolution of the lawmakers followed the adoption of a motion titled ‘Call on the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency to Eradicate Drug Bunks in the Country,’ sponsored by a member representing Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency, Akwa Ibom State, Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo.
Leading the debate, Ukpong-Udo noted that drug bunkers are being opened in strategic locations across major cities in Nigeria, a development that, he said, portends danger for society.
The House, he said, is “worried that drug abuse in Nigeria is a growing concern, affecting personal growth, societal values, and health and security risks, with hotels and transport companies allegedly aiding illegal activities.
“I am also concerned that the future of Nigerian youths is destroyed as they invest all their finances from legitimate or illegal means in enriching drug barons, affecting the country’s development and progress, a situation that jeopardizes the future of youths and undermines the development and progress of the country.
“Note that the functions of the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency, among others, are strengthening cooperation with the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Police Force, Customs, Immigration, Welfare Officials, Health Officials, and Other Law Enforcement
Agencies In the eradication of illicit traffic in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances,” as mandated by Section 3(r) of the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act, Cap.N30, Laws of the Federation, 2004.”
