Minister urges stakeholders to tackle illicit drug supply

Hajiya Sadiya Farouq, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development has urged stakeholders to tackle illicit drugs supply and humanitarian conflicts in the country.

Farouq made the call in her keynote address at the awareness campaign against drugs and substance abuse and illicit trafficking on Wednesday in Abuja.

The event with the theme: “Addressing Drug Challenges in Health and Humanitarian Crises” was organised by the ministry to sensitise youths and other stakeholders and vulnerable groups on drug and substance abuse.

The minister, represented by Mr Chogudo Aliyu, a Deputy Director in the ministry said that in national development, there was need to put more efforts in addressing drugs and substances abuse among the youths.

“It should not be left to the government, individual and rehabs alone, but should be a collective responsibility with everyone playing their role.

“I am optimistic that as designed, this event will create a better society for all. The Federal Government is concerned about the growing number of controlled substance abusers.

“Most times, drug abuse affects more than just the person getting high; it is detrimental to their relationships with friends, family members and co-workers.

“Drug abuse has reached an unprecedented level in our nation today and its dire consequences are around us. It has destroyed thousands of young people’s lives,” she said.

Farouq therefore, called on all stakeholders to take meaningful steps in minimising conflict as well as protect people, including strengthening drug use prevention, treatment and tackling illicit supply.

Similarly, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, represented by Mr Peter Audu, the Deputy Director in the ministry said that government was committed to addressing drug addiction.

Sani-Gwarzo said that the objective of the event was apt as it would help to ameliorate challenges of youths.

According to him, this is by using fact-based information to raise awareness of the potential harm from non-medical use of illicit drugs.

“The ministry will always work with its partners to strategically implement programmes that will reduce substance abuse by providing communities with valuable information to reduce substance abuse,” he said.

It was reported that officials from Ministries of Women Affairs and Health, NAPTIP, NDLEA, NAFDAC, NYSC some security schools and many others were in attendance.