Retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, the chairman of the Nationwide Drug Legislation Enforcement Company (NDLEA), says the porousness of West African borders contributes to the trafficking of illicit medicine within the area.
Mr Marwa mentioned this in an deal with on Tuesday in Abuja throughout a media convention to commemorate the Worldwide Day Towards Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
Each June 26 is put aside to commemorate the day, and the theme for 2024 is: “Proof is Clear, Put money into Prevention”.
Mr Marwa was represented by Chigbu Chilee, Deputy Commander of Narcotics and the Assistant Director, Drug Demand Discount Directorate.
“In West Africa, and particularly in Nigeria, drug trafficking and abuse are sometimes seen as complicated points with deep-rooted social and financial elements.
“For instance, poverty, unemployment, and an absence of academic alternatives contribute to the vulnerability of people to drug trafficking and abuse.
“Moreover, the area’s porous borders and proximity to main drug trafficking routes make it a susceptible transit level for illicit substances,” Mr Marwa mentioned.
The NDLEA boss, nevertheless, mentioned that the proof was overwhelming that these actions have devastating penalties for people, communities, and societies.
In response to him, investing in prevention is essential to handle the complicated challenges of drug trafficking and abuse.
The Coordinating Minister of Well being and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, whereas quoting the 2018 Nationwide Survey on Drug Use and Well being, mentioned the prevalence of drug use in Nigeria was 14.4 per cent.
