Abuse Of Drugs Amongst Our Youth Unfortunate, NDLEA Needs FG’s Greater Support — Agboworin

The lawmaker representing Ibadan South-East/Ibadan North-East Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rep. Abass Adigun (Agboworin), has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to urgently address the welfare and operational challenges facing officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) as part of efforts to curb drug use and abuse in Nigeria.

Agboworin made the call while speaking as a guest on the current affairs programme Gbagede Oselu, aired on the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS) at the weekend.

As chairman of the House Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, the federal lawmaker oversees legislative initiatives on drug policy, illicit substance control, and education and rehabilitation programmes for drug users.

Responding to questions during the programme, Agboworin commended the NDLEA for its performance under the leadership of its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd.), but stressed that the agency requires greater support and encouragement to sustain and expand its impact.

He expressed concern over the rising rate of drug abuse, particularly among young people, describing it as a critical national challenge that demands collective attention.

According to him, drug abuse is a global problem, noting that even developed countries that spend millions of dollars on counter-narcotics efforts continue to grapple with the menace.

Agboworin identified social media, online influencers, entertainers, and the broader show business industry as contributing factors to the growing prevalence of drug use among youths.

He also highlighted the efforts of the House Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, including proposals for stiffer jail terms for drug traffickers and improved welfare packages for NDLEA operatives.

He said, “The rate of drug abuse is worrisome and call for the attention of everyone. It’s a serious issue all over the world because even the US that is spending billions of dollars is still battling with the menace.

“The NDLEA Chairman, Buba Marwa is doing a great deal of job.

“As the House Committee Chairman, alongside other members, in doing our job, we saw that there is need for a lot to be done for the Agency.

“They don’t have enough personnel. They work alongside Customs Service and even doing more. They have barley 14,000 personnel in the country. Their welfare is nothing to write home about as they are not well equipped.

“We have gathered all the challenges and put them into a bill. We suggested that the agency be moved from the Ministry of Justice to the Presidency.

“At the committee level, we have also proposed a minimum of 25years jail term for traffickers, after they might have collected all they made through drug. We also proposed a 2 percent return to the agency from the money they make for government.

“I appeal to President Bola Tinubu to pay more attention to the need to improve thenfight against narcotics by strengthening the NDLEA more.

“The agency is doing so well under Marwa but they need to be strengthened and encouraged in terms of improved funding, increase in personnel and welfare packages.

“The internet, showbiz, influence of entertainers and social media personalities have also constituted to the spread of drug use.”