Agboworin Leads the Charge at World Drug Day, Calls for Collective Action on Drug Abuse

On Wednesday, 26th of june,2024 the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abass, Ph.D., urged all relevant stakeholders to join forces with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in combating drug abuse and illicit trafficking. This call was made during the 2024 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking event held at the Conference Centre of the Presidential Villa in Abuja, themed ‘The Evidence is Clear, Invest in Prevention.’

Represented by Rep. Abass Adigun (Agboworin), Chairman of the House Committee on Narcotic Drugs and the member representing Ibadan South East/North East federal constituency, the Speaker expressed concern over the rapid devastation drug abuse is causing to Nigerian society, particularly among the youth.

In his speech, delivered by Agboworin, the Speaker emphasized the need for comprehensive prevention programs to address the root causes of drug use and trafficking. He highlighted the importance of a multi-sectoral approach involving government agencies, civil society organizations, families, and communities. “We support increased investment in preventive actions, especially in awareness creation, education, counseling, advocacy, and therapy to strengthen individuals’ resistance against drug abuse,” Agboworin stated.

Commending the efforts of the NDLEA and its partner, UNODC, Agboworin called for increased budgetary provisions for the NDLEA, given its extensive mandate. He assured that the House of Representatives would continue to support the fight against drug trafficking and abuse, underscoring that it is a collective responsibility.

“We have passed several laws and resolutions aimed at strengthening the legal framework for drug control and providing the NDLEA with the resources it needs to effectively carry out its mandate. The recent amendment of the NDLEA ACT, which prescribes the harshest punishments for manufacturers and traffickers of hard drugs, is a clear indication of our commitment to this cause,” he said.

The Speaker urged for collective efforts to create a drug-free society, emphasizing the need for education, support for those struggling with addiction, and prevention of illicit drug trafficking.

In his address, Brig. General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), OFR, Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA, highlighted the agency’s achievements, stating that in the last three years, NDLEA operatives have arrested 52,901 drug traffickers, including 48 barons, and secured over 9,000 convictions. He emphasized that preventive measures, such as blocking distribution channels, are key to achieving a drug-free Nigeria.

Other dignitaries who spoke at the event included the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Senator Sadiq Umar, representing the Senate President; Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN; Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman; Chairman of MTN Foundation, Julius Adeluyi; and guest lecturer Dr. Vincent Udenze of Intersect Consortium.

Photo credit: Agboworin media team