KADUNA – The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has revealed that approximately three million people in Nigeria’s North-West geopolitical zone are battling drug addiction, describing the situation as a major public health crisis.

NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), made this disclosure on Monday during the launch of the North-West campaign against illicit drug use in Kaduna. The sensitization initiative, themed “Stop Drug Abuse and Domestic Violence in Our Communities,” aims to curb drug addiction and its associated societal impacts.

The campaign was facilitated by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, and organized by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in collaboration with the NDLEA.

Alarming Drug Abuse Statistics

Marwa referenced the 2018 National Drug Use Survey conducted by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which found that 14.3 million Nigerians aged 15–64 use psychoactive substances. He noted that the North-West region, comprising Kaduna, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Kebbi, Zamfara, and Sokoto, is one of the hardest-hit areas, with Kano recording the highest drug prevalence rate at 16%.

“With an estimated population of 25 million in 2016, this zone remains the most populous in Nigeria. The survey estimated that 12% of the region’s population — approximately three million people — are drug users,” Marwa stated.

Call for Collective Action

Marwa stressed the need for a multi-stakeholder approach to combat drug abuse, urging state governments, lawmakers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and private sector stakeholders to partner with the NDLEA.

“The success of this campaign requires the support of everyone. Parents, community leaders, pastors, and imams must strengthen their resolve to prevent drug abuse, support affected individuals, and ensure that drug traffickers face the full force of the law,” he said.

Rehabilitation and Policy Initiatives

To tackle addiction, the NDLEA has established 30 counselling and rehabilitation centres nationwide, offering psychosocial interventions, medical care, referrals, and social reintegration services. Over 22,000 individuals have received treatment and rehabilitation in the past four years, according to Marwa.

Additionally, he called on governors in the North-West to establish at least three rehabilitation centres in each state to enhance addiction treatment services.

“We urge state governments and lawmakers to provide necessary infrastructure, including land for NDLEA barracks and operational support for our officers,” he added.

Economic Alternatives for Drug Traffickers

Marwa emphasized the importance of addressing the economic incentives driving drug cultivation and trafficking. He highlighted the NDLEA’s Alternative Development Unit, which collaborates with stakeholders to provide legitimate income sources for individuals involved in illicit drug activities.

“The UNODC has commended Nigeria as the first in Africa to implement this initiative,” he noted.

Sustained Commitment to a Drug-Free Society

The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Issa-Onilu, also launched a four-month campaign against drug abuse and violent crime in the region. He cited research linking substance abuse to violent crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping, terrorism, domestic violence, and sexual assault.

“Drug abuse is not just a national challenge; it is a crisis that threatens the very fabric of our society. We must act decisively to break the cycle of addiction and crime,” Issa-Onilu stated.

He emphasized the need for community awareness, rehabilitation programs, and stronger law enforcement to dismantle criminal networks.

Dignitaries Pledge Support

The event was attended by high-profile figures, including Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, who facilitated the initiative, as well as traditional and religious leaders, community elders, youth groups, and civil society organizations.

The campaign aims to create a safer, drug-free North-West region through education, advocacy, and rehabilitation efforts.

“We urge all stakeholders to join hands with us. Together, we can achieve a healthier, more prosperous society,” Issa-Onilu concluded.