The Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum (NGSF) has urged both the Federal and State Governments to declare a state of emergency on substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria. This call came during a two-day Drug Prevention Treatment and Care (DPTC) training organized by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Abuja.
In a communique issued by the Chairperson of the Forum and First Lady of Kwara State, Ambassador Olufolake Abdulrasaq, the governors’ wives emphasized the urgent need to address the scourge of drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria. They called for the revitalization of State Drug Control Committees (SDCC), increased rehabilitation programs, and the implementation of the NDLEA Drug Integrity Testing Policy for early detection and intervention.
Additionally, the Forum resolved to strengthen collaboration between State governments, NDLEA, and other security agencies in combating drug use and trafficking. They also pledged support for the establishment of standard drug rehabilitation centers across the country and the adoption of the DPTC program as a Forum project.
Recognizing the link between drug abuse and various societal challenges, including criminality, school dropouts, and health issues, the governors’ wives underscored the need for concerted action to address this issue. They commended the efforts of NDLEA under the leadership of Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) and pledged to implement the knowledge gained from the training in their respective states.
In his closing remarks, Brig. Gen. Marwa commended the governors’ wives for their participation in the training and urged them to translate the lessons learned into tangible actions in their states.
The call for a state of emergency on drug abuse by the Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum highlights the urgency of addressing this pressing issue. With a commitment to collaboration and action, stakeholders are poised to tackle the challenges posed by drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria.