Former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has implored the government to treat rising cases of drug abuse in Nigeria with the immediate attention it deserves.
Saraki said this on Monday on the occasion of the World International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
“With the rising cases of drug abuse and addiction across the nation, it is important that across the board, all institutions of government treat this issue with the immediate attention that is required,” Saraki tweeted.
“As I look back, reflecting on the Roundtable on Drug Abuse that we convened in Kano during the 8th Senate, we must look into the roles and responsibilities of various agencies in the fight against drug abuse, emphasizing the urgent need for adequate funding and proper fund utilization.
“We also need to look into providing help for victims of drug abuse, which goes beyond law enforcement.
“We must examine incorporating preventive education, rehabilitation, and social reintegration,” the former governor of Kwara state wrote.
Saraki noted that it is crucial to not just focus on the victims of drug abuse, but to tackle the issue at its root which is the supply system.
He said this necessitates a firm stand against the supply chain that allows hard drugs to penetrate our borders, a step that is equally as important as supporting victims and strengthening preventive education.
According to him, it is evident that there is still work left undone, especially after a report by the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime in Nigeria indicated that 14.4% of Nigerians aged between 15 and 64 years abuse drugs.
“While we have made significant strides in acknowledging the problem and putting measures in place, the ultimate goal should be eradication, not just a reduction of drug abuse,” Saraki said.
He said that the 8th Senate laid the groundwork with a comprehensive report outlining the necessary steps to combat drug abuse.
Saraki also said urged the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that the menace of drug abuse and illicit trafficking in Nigeria is addressed.
