The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has challenged parents and other stakeholders to rise to the challenge of keeping illicit substances away from Nigeria’s youth.
The call was made by retired Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa, Chairman of the NDLEA, at the Realnews Magazine 10th anniversary lecture on Thursday in Lagos.
Marwa warned that complacency could jeopardise the youth population’s bright future in a statement issued by NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi in Abuja.
He said “let me leave us with a thought-provoking submission about the danger of complacency in tackling drug abuse among youths.
“By 2030, demographic factors project the number of people using drugs to rise by 11 per cent around the world, and as much as 40 per cent in Africa alone.
“This is an early warning that we should all take serious and ensure that we keep our young people away from dangerous substances that compromise the bright future ahead of them, ” he said.
The NDLEA boss said that instead of benefitting from the advantages of the huge youth population in Nigeria, the reverse might be the case.
This, he said, would be if relevant stakeholders failed to stand up and join ongoing efforts against the drug scourge.
“This country, Nigeria, for instance, has no less than 151 million young people, accounting for 70% of our estimated 217 million population.
“Most of us don’t know what that means. Youth means creativity, strength, resourcefulness and productivity.
“But how do we rake in these benefits when a significant number of this population is involved in the abuse of illicit substances?
“The truth is instead of a boom, they could become a burden because of abuse of illicit substances, “he said.
Marwa said that in response to whole-of-society approaches needed to ensure that people, young people most of all, have the information and develop the resilience to make good choices, especially as it relates to drug abuse.
He said that the NDLEA had initiated some youth focused measures to safeguard them against the pressures and temptations of going into drugs.
He said, “Such measures include: “War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, a grassroots-oriented advocacy which we are using to diffuse anti-drug sentiment across the various strata of our society.
“NDLEA Twitter Space where drug issues are discussed by experts from within the country and around the world to an audience of young people.
“A 24/7 Drug Abuse call centre with a toll-free helpline: 0800 1020 3040, which allows drug users, their families and employers to seek treatment without compromising their identities or safety.
“Other measures include an open-door treatment at 26 NDLEA treatment facilities across the country, “he said.
Marwa said that this had become necessary following the release of the 2018 National Drug Use and Health Survey.
According to him, “Nigeria has been seeking solutions to the drug scourge, especially as it pertains to youths.
“The administration of President Muhammadu Buhari gives NDLEA unflinching support.
“The agency in turn has been working on several measures which are largely youth-focused, he said.