In a pressing plea to the Federal Government, the Senate has urged immediate action to combat the escalating crisis of drug and narcotics abuse in Nigeria. The nation is grappling with a concerning surge in substance abuse, prompting the Senate to take swift action.
During a plenary session, the Senate discussed and passed a motion titled: "Immediate Intervention Required to Combat Drug Abuse in Nigeria." This motion was presented by Senator Babangida Uba Hussaini of the APC, representing Jigawa Northwest. The Senate emphasized the urgency of addressing the drug abuse crisis and its far-reaching consequences.
In response to this critical situation, the Red Chamber has mandated its National Agency for Administration Control, Drugs, and Narcotics committee to collaborate with relevant federal agencies to convene a National Summit focused on tackling the issue of drugs and narcotics abuse in the country. This initiative reflects the Senate's commitment to finding comprehensive solutions to this pressing problem.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio expressed deep concern about the extent of drug abuse in the country, highlighting a shocking practice where some young individuals resort to inhaling vapours from soakaway pits to achieve a high. He urged parents to regularly inspect their soakaways to ensure they remain intact, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures to protect young people.
Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau emphasized the critical role that youth play in a nation's future. He underscored that when the youth are adversely affected by drug abuse, it poses a significant threat to the nation's prospects. Barau also pointed out that drug abuse is not limited to any particular segment of society; it affects people from all walks of life, including celebrities and politicians.
While acknowledging the efforts of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Barau called for heightened vigilance and coordinated efforts from all stakeholders responsible for addressing this grave issue. The Senate's call for a state of emergency reflects the gravity of the situation and the need for immediate and comprehensive action to combat drug and narcotics abuse in Nigeria.
