Peter Obi Calls for Stronger Efforts Against Drug Abuse on International Day

As the world marks the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Peter Obi, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has called for more concerted efforts to prevent drug abuse and support those battling addiction.

Obi emphasized the need for the government to address the menace of drug abuse and illicit trafficking through rehabilitation programs and stringent penalties for traffickers.

In a statement issued on Wednesday via his X handle, Obi lamented that drug and substance abuse have led to high crime rates, moral decay, and various health hazards, significantly reducing productivity, especially among the youth.

Citing a report by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) which indicated that about 14.3 million Nigerians aged 15-64 years abuse drugs, Obi stressed the importance of prevention efforts.

He said: “Today is set aside by the global community to commemorate the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

It is a day set out to strengthen actions that will rid society of drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking.

“It is also a day that reminds us of the need to direct more concerted efforts towards preventing drug abuse and guiding those weighed down by addiction through the path of freedom.

“For a predominantly youthful population like Nigeria, where poverty and unemployment are on the increase, the incidence of drug abuse remains high.

“Economic hardship and other poor socio-economic factors have been identified as the leading factors fueling drug abuse among our youth.

“A report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) states that Nigeria and some African countries will witness a 40 percent rise in the population of drug users, especially the youth population if urgent measures are not taken.

“The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) reports that about 14.3 million Nigerians aged 15-64 years abuse drugs. The National Bureau of Statistics reports a 14.4 percent drug prevalence in Nigeria, which is twice the global average of 5.8 percent.

“Drugs and substance abuse have contributed to high rates of crime, moral decadence in society, and other associated health hazards. It also greatly dampens the productivity of the people, especially the youth population.

“We must, therefore, seek to save our nation from the menace of drug abuse and illicit trafficking. More efforts must be channeled into preventing the spread of this virus.

“The government should invest in rehabilitating those already caught in the web of drug abuse and stringent punishment meted out to drug traffickers.

“With commitment and sincerity of action, we can achieve a drug-free nation in a New Nigeria that is possible.”