President Bola Tinubu has pledged to prioritize evidence-based prevention strategies to combat drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria.
He urged all stakeholders to support the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in its efforts to curb drug abuse and related criminal activities.
Tinubu emphasized the importance of prevention in addressing the root causes of drug abuse and saving lives and resources.
He also acknowledged the need for adequate resources and partnerships to effectively implement prevention strategies.
The President gave the assurance on the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, otherwise known as World Drug Day, on Wednesday, at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.
Speaking on the theme of the day, “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention,” he expressed his support for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency in its fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking as well as its ramped-up efforts to prevent Nigerians from falling prey to the drug scourge.
With approximately 14.4 per cent of its population (aged 15 to 64) affected, Nigeria’s drug abuse situation is almost three times higher than the global average of 5.6 per cent, says the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
The most commonly abused substances include cannabis, opioids (such as tramadol and codeine), and cough syrups containing codeine or dextromethorphan.
Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, lamented that illicit drugs and substances have wreaked havoc on individuals, families, communities and countries worldwide.
He said, “In the face of such a formidable challenge, prevention is the most potent weapon we can deploy. Prevention not only saves lives; it also saves resources that would otherwise be spent on treatment and rehabilitation.
“It empowers individuals to make informed choices, promotes healthy lifestyles and creates resilient communities capable of withstanding the pressures of drug abuse.
“Investing in prevention is not merely a moral imperative but a prudent way of safeguarding our future. By allocating resources towards evidence-based prevention programmes, we can break the vicious cycle of drug abuse and protect our youth from falling prey to the menace.”
