FG, NDLEA partner to curb drug abuse among youths

The Federal Ministry of Education has partnered with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other stakeholders to strengthen efforts to combat drug abuse, promote mental health awareness and protect Nigerian youths.

The collaboration was highlighted at a conference with the theme “Rescue the Youth, Restore the Future, and Fight Against the Drug Menace,” which brought together government institutions, educators, health professionals, civil society organisations and community leaders to develop strategies for addressing substance abuse among young people.

Speaking at the conference, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mrs Evelyn Obioma Agozlem, described drug abuse as a growing public health and developmental concern, urging stakeholders to prioritise prevention, early intervention and support for affected youths.

Representing Federal Government Colleges, Mrs Musa Adama Tanko of Federal Government Girls College, Bwari, called for stronger school counselling services, parental guidance and closer collaboration among teachers, parents and health professionals.

She stressed the importance of identifying early signs of substance abuse and mental health challenges among students to ensure timely intervention.

In his keynote address, the NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), represented by the Director of Drug Demand Reduction, Alhaji Abubakar Garba, warned that substance abuse posed a serious threat to the health, security, education and future of Nigerian youths.

He noted that the agency's responsibilities extended beyond drug enforcement to include prevention, counselling, treatment and rehabilitation.

Marwa also highlighted the War Against Drug Abuse campaign and disclosed that the NDLEA had established 31 rehabilitation centres nationwide, with plans to expand access to treatment services.

President of CISMHEDDR–Africa, Engr. Prosper Okafor, called for stronger partnerships among government institutions, schools, healthcare professionals, civil society organisations and community leaders, stressing that tackling drug abuse required collective action.

Other speakers, including Dr Prince Abba and the President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Abuja FCT Chapter, Hon. Andrew Okonkwo Ugwu, advocated increased community participation, youth empowerment, mental health support and practical interventions to address the underlying factors driving substance abuse.

The conference reaffirmed the importance of sustained collaboration among government institutions, schools, families and communities to prevent drug abuse, reduce stigma and ensure that affected young people have access to counselling, treatment and rehabilitation.