The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has reported that one out of every four users of illicit drugs in Nigeria is a woman.
The alarming statistic was shared by Daniel Onyishi, the NDLEA commander in Anambra, during the launch of the “Operation Clean Anambra of Substance Abuse” initiative in Awka.
Nigeria has a drug abuse prevalence rate of 14.4%, which is projected to increase to 40% by 2030 if current trends continue.
Women, particularly young girls, are increasingly engaging in substance abuse. One in four drug abusers in Nigeria is a woman, and one in five women will suffer from a substance abuse disorder.
Onyishi emphasized the importance of community leaders reporting drug dealers to the authorities, as illicit drug dealing is a crime and not a legitimate business.
”The NDLEA is working closely with the governor’s wife, Nonye Soludo, to combat drug abuse in Anambra. This initiative focuses on healthy living and substance abuse prevention.
”We are taking awareness and sensitization efforts to the grassroots level to educate people about the dangers of drug abuse,” Onyishi said.
In her address, Soludo highlighted that substance abuse has become a pandemic requiring collective action.
She pointed out that drug abuse contributes significantly to crime, violence, and health complications.
On his part, the Commissioner for Health, Afam Obidike, stressed that the campaign aims to save youths from the devastating effects of drug addiction, which could lead to a generational tragedy.
Onyishi called on community leaders to assist the NDLEA by reporting drug dealers, stressing that the agency relies on community input to tackle the drug abuse problem effectively.
Meanwhile, the United Nations has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the NDLEA in its efforts to combat substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria.
Mrs Amina Mohammed, the UN Deputy Secretary-General, conveyed this assurance during her visit to the NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd), at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.
Mohammed expressed the UN’s willingness to bolster the significant efforts of the agency in addressing the scourge of illicit drugs in society.
