Senator Sumaila Kawu, representing Kano South, has called for mandatory drug testing of all elected and appointed political office holders before they assume office. Speaking during a Senate debate in Abuja on Tuesday, Kawu alleged that political leaders provide drugs to their supporters during elections, fueling the rising drug abuse among Nigerian youths.
The Senator further claimed that a significant number of security operatives are involved in drug trafficking. His remarks were made during the consideration of a bill to establish the National Institute for Drug Awareness and Rehabilitation. The bill, introduced by Senator Rufai Hanga of Kano Central, aims to promote awareness, prevent substance abuse, and facilitate rehabilitation for drug users.
Kawu warned that drug trafficking and consumption have deeply infiltrated Nigerian society, posing a major societal threat.
In their contributions, Senators Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa West) and Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) voiced strong opposition to creating a new agency to combat drug abuse. They argued that the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) already exists to address these issues. Senator Dickson highlighted the link between drug consumption and increased crime, while Oshiomhole emphasized that it would be more effective to strengthen the existing NDLEA law rather than establish a new agency.
Despite the heated debate, the bill passed its second reading following a voice vote led by Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau. It has now been referred to the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics for further consideration, with a report expected in four weeks.
Many senators agreed that drug abuse has become a serious problem in Nigeria, requiring urgent attention from all Stakeholders.
Report indicates that prevalence of 20–40% and 20.9% of drug abuse was reported among students and youths, respectively. Commonly abused drugs include cannabis, cocaine, amphetamine, heroin, diazepam, codeine, cough syrup and tramadol.
According to a medical expert, Dr. Oche Joseph Otorkpa, substance abuse among Nigeria’s growing young population is on the increase.
Dr. Otorkpa who is a Public Health specialist and Fellow of the Royal Society for Public Health United Kingdom, said the appetite for drug abuse among Nigerian Youths is alarming.
According to him, the illicit drug trade in the country is fueled by a factors which includes Nigeria’s “geographic location, economic disparities, political instability, and global demand for drugs.”
