Former Senate President and one-time Governor of Kwara State Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has appealed to federal government to to step up action to combat illicit drug abuse amongst youth and the elderly across Nigeria.
Saraki made the call on Monday during 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.
The former Senate President said government and organisations championing drug-war and prevention should take their fight to the root-cause of the problem rather than just focusing on the victims.
He said such actions is inevitable to cut out the supply chain that aids drug movement and distribution into the society, which is also as vital as advocacy and sensitization.
He added that, there is enormous work ahead, considering the special report by the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime in Nigeria – which 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 affirmed.
He said that the 8th Senate institutionalized the structure and framework that birthed a comprehensive report that outlined the necessary steps towards drug eradication and abuse in Nigeria.
Saraki also urged the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that the menace of drug abuse and illicit trafficking in Nigeria is addressed.
