TRADE in illicit drugs poses the largest societal, political and economic consequences, as well as a threat to the fabric of societies through addiction, crime and disease. It also exacerbates corruption and impairs the economic and political functioning of states, hence the global intensive war against illicit drug trafficking and consumption.
In Nigeria, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), was established by the regulation of Decree no. 48 of 29th, December 1989, now act of parliament, whose major target was aimed at exterminating illicit drug trafficking and consumption. But, according to 2018 national drug use survey, 10.6 million Nigerians age 15–64 abused cannabis, out of a total of 14.3 million drug abusers, which is worrisome.
At recent advocacy campaign organized by NDLEA, it was revealed that the incidence of substance abuse in Nigeria was escalating the security challenges confronting the country, indicating that 14.3 million Nigerians were into drugs and substance abuse which shows the country has 14.4 percent prevalence rate, higher than the global average of 5.6 prevalence rate for adult population. According to a research report, a prevalence of 20 to 40 percent and 20.9 percent of drug abuse was among students, youths, commercial bus drivers, farmers and sex workers.
The commonly abused drugs includes; cocaine, cannabis, amphetamine, heroin, diazepam, codeine, cough syrup and tramadol, while the identified sources where abusers obtained drugs were pharmacies, patent medicine shops, open drug markets, drug hawkers, fellow drug abusers, friends and drug pushers Though the reports are not salutary but in the past three years, the NDLEA, led by its Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa, has proven that it is not relenting in its commitment to exterminating illicit drug trafficking and consumption in Nigeria.
In his address at the celebration of the 2024 United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking, held at old Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja, noted that in the last three years, the agency arrested 52,901 drug traffickers, including 48 barons and obtained over 9000 convictions of suspects. He also declared that over 7.6 million kilograms of assorted illicit substances were seized, while 1,057 hectares of Cannabis farms were destroyed in the past three years. The agency, according to Brig. Gen. Marwa, is presently investing in prevention in consonance with the theme of this year’s United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking: “The evidence is clear: Invest in prevention”.
He noted that the imperative of investing in prevention is dictated by evidence-based results that shows that prevention is far more cost effective than dealing with the consequences of drug use disorders. He maintained that efforts at achieving drug free Nigeria was being led with preventive steps, one of which has been the blocking of distribution channels.
In furtherance of its mandate it was revealed that NDLEA has established 30 rehabilitations and counselling centres in its command across the country, aimed at prevention and to help those who were already into the abuse of illicit substances.
While still committed to its drug supply reduction activities by carrying out offensive operations targeting cannabis farms and ensuring they are completely destroyed. Another milestone attained by the agency is the creation of alternative development programme to discourage illicit drug trafficking and consumption, which is geared towards persuading cannabis farmers to grow cash crops instead, with incentives attached.
The goal is to make them accept and grow cash crops and forgo the cultivation of the psychoactive plants commonly abused by the users.
While we appreciate the success recorded so far, we urge the government to strengthen the agency through sufficient funding to properly equip it to meet challenges of modern drug crisis and enhance the agency performance. Efforts should also be made to strengthen all relevant institutions saddled with the responsibility of monitoring illicit financial flows and money laundering activities linked to drug trade and ensure offenders are persecuted.
As much as we commend the efforts of the NDLEA in tackling the problem of illicit drug trafficking and consumption in Nigeria, we call on the agency to be more aggressive in educating members of the public on dangers of drug abuse through awareness programmes, especially for the youths. The agency should also synergies with NAFDAC and other stakeholders in carrying out their responsibilities to make Nigeria a drug abuse free society.
