The House of Representatives during its plenary session on Thursday 3, October 2019, urged Federal Government to declare a State of Emergency on Drug Abuse in Nigeria.
In a motion moved by Hon Francis Ottah Agbo and Hon Olusola Steve Fatoba, it was noted that drug abuse and its effects are considered as a major challenge confronting youths and teenagers globally and it is now endemic in Nigeria.
The Motion noted that a study has shown that there is correlation between the level of drug abuse; the frequency and severity of crime in any society, including trans-border crimes which has created a vicious circle of drug-crimes. Hence, it is not surprising that those arrested for various kinds of crimes are drug addicts.
Also, the motion stated that in spite of the ban on importation of some unregulated drugs such as codeine ,tramadol and consequent arrests and prosecution of drug offenders by the Federal Government it does not appear to have deterred them as National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) recently raised alarm on the increasing inflow of new substances.
The House therefore called on Federal Government to declare a State of Emergency on drug abuse and also develop preventive strategies, in addition, ensure increased funding for National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Olalere Taiwo
For: Head press unit
SSAP NASS
