The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced that approximately 14 million Nigerians are currently addicted to drug abuse. This disclosure was made by Mrs. Yetunde Joyifous, the Deputy Commander of the Ondo State Command of NDLEA, during a drug abuse awareness program organized by the Oijefon Youth Council for secondary schools in Ile Oluji/Oke-Igbo Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The event aimed to educate the youth on the perils of drug abuse, shedding light on the grim reality of substance addiction across the nation. Mrs. Joyifous emphasized that the drugs being consumed are predominantly chemical substances known to have detrimental effects on users’ mental health. She called for a united front against drug abuse, stating that engaging all stakeholders in the community to partner with the authorities is the only way to curb this menace.
The NDLEA’s report indicates that these substances, which include a variety of narcotics and psychotropic drugs, significantly impact Nigeria’s youth, with secondary school students being identified as the most vulnerable demographic. The agency highlighted that the drugs consumed can negatively alter individuals’ minds, leading to addiction and a host of social and health-related issues.
This alarming statistic has been trending on social media, where posts from various users express concern over the scale of the problem. Discussions range from the need for more aggressive educational campaigns to the demand for increased rehabilitation facilities and stricter law enforcement measures against drug trafficking.
The NDLEA’s disclosure comes at a time when Nigeria is grappling with the broader implications of drug abuse on society, including crime rates, health care costs, and the productivity of its workforce. The agency advocates for a multi-faceted approach to tackle this issue, which includes community engagement, law enforcement, rehabilitation, and the review of legislation and policy to enhance penalties for drug-related offenses while promoting prevention and treatment.
The Oijefon Youth Council, in partnership with NDLEA, has pledged to continue these awareness campaigns, emphasizing the need to protect young people from falling prey to drug abuse. Adedokun Adeyonu, President of the Council, stressed the importance of educating the youth about the dangers of drugs to deter them from engaging in such activities.
This revelation by NDLEA serves as a wake-up call to all sectors of Nigerian society to address what is clearly a public health emergency. The fight against drug abuse requires not just the efforts of law enforcement but a collective action involving families, schools, communities, and the government to safeguard the future of Nigeria’s youth from the scourge of addiction.
