The Federal Ministry of Youth Development has pledged its commitment to collaborate with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to address the alarming issue of substance abuse among Nigerian youths. Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, the Minister of Youth Development, conveyed this assurance during her meeting with the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), at the agency’s national headquarters in Abuja.
Brig. Gen. Marwa highlighted the severity of the drug situation in Nigeria, particularly its impact on the youth demographic. He emphasized the critical need for comprehensive partnerships among various government agencies to tackle the interconnected challenges of substance abuse and security threats facing the nation.
Acknowledging the administration’s commitment to uplifting millions of Nigerians out of poverty, Marwa stressed the potential for collaboration between NDLEA and ministries such as Youth Development and Agriculture to not only combat drug abuse but also stimulate job creation and enhance food security.
Minister Ibrahim outlined key areas of collaboration, including advocacy, grassroots awareness campaigns targeting youth, provision of counseling and rehabilitation services for those struggling with addiction, and skills acquisition programs for rehabilitated individuals. She also expressed optimism about the forthcoming launch of the National Youth Development Bank, which aims to empower young Nigerians and provide funding opportunities for rehabilitated individuals to pursue productive endeavors based on acquired skills.
The partnership between the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and NDLEA signifies a concerted effort to address the multifaceted challenges posed by drug abuse while offering support and opportunities for the rehabilitation and empowerment of Nigerian youths.