The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Education, has strengthened its collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Civil Society on Mental Health and Drug Demand Reduction (CISMHEDDR–Africa) and other stakeholders to tackle drug abuse and promote mental health awareness among Nigerian youths.
The partnership was highlighted at a conference themed, “Rescue the Youth, Restore the Future, and Fight Against the Drug Menace,” which brought together government institutions, educators, health professionals, civil society organisations and community leaders to develop strategies for addressing substance abuse among young people.
Speaking at the conference, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mrs Evelyn Obioma Agozlem, described drug abuse as a growing public health and developmental concern, calling for urgent and coordinated interventions.
Agozlem urged stakeholders to prioritise prevention, early intervention and appropriate support for affected youths, stressing the importance of collective efforts in addressing the menace.
Representing Federal Government Colleges, Mrs Musa Adama Tanko of Federal Government Girls College, Bwari, called for stronger school counselling services, parental guidance and closer collaboration among teachers, parents and health professionals.
She emphasised the importance of identifying early signs of substance abuse and mental health challenges among students, noting that timely intervention could help prevent further harm.
In his keynote address, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), represented by the Director of Drug Demand Reduction, Alhaji Abubakar Garba, warned that substance abuse posed a serious threat to the health, security, education and future of Nigerian youths.
Marwa stressed that the agency’s responsibilities extended beyond drug enforcement to include prevention, counselling, treatment and rehabilitation.
He said, “The Agency’s mandate extends beyond drug enforcement to prevention, counselling, treatment and rehabilitation.”
He also highlighted the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign as part of the agency’s efforts to discourage substance abuse and promote awareness among young people.
The NDLEA chairman further disclosed that the agency had established 31 rehabilitation centres nationwide, with plans to expand access to treatment services for individuals struggling with substance abuse.
Earlier, the President of CISMHEDDR–Africa, Engr. Prosper Okafor, called for stronger partnerships among government institutions, schools, healthcare professionals, civil society organisations and community leaders.
He maintained that tackling drug abuse required collective responsibility, urging stakeholders to work together in developing sustainable interventions.
Other speakers, including Dr. Prince Abba and the President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Abuja FCT Chapter, Hon. Andrew Okonkwo Ugwu, advocated increased community participation, youth empowerment and improved mental health support.
They also called for practical interventions to address the underlying factors driving substance abuse among young people.
The conference reaffirmed the importance of sustained collaboration among government agencies, schools, families and communities in preventing drug abuse, reducing stigma and ensuring that affected youths have access to counselling, treatment and rehabilitation services.
Stakeholders stressed that protecting young people from substance abuse requires not only enforcement but also education, early intervention, rehabilitation and supportive community structures.