The House of Representatives, on Wednesday, issued a directive to the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), to eliminate drug dens throughout the country in response to a recent report warning about the involvement of Nigerian youth in drug abuse.
The lawmakers based their decision on a report from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, which indicated that more than 14.3 million Nigerians aged 15 to 64 are engaged in drug abuse.
This resolution was made after the House adopted a motion titled ‘Call on the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency to Eradicate Drug Dens in the Country,’ sponsored by Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo, a member representing Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency in Akwa Ibom State.
During the debate, Ukpong-Udo pointed out that drug dens are cropping up in strategic locations in major Nigerian cities, a development that poses a significant threat to society. He expressed the House’s concern over the growing problem of drug abuse in Nigeria, which adversely impacts personal growth, societal values, and poses health and security risks. Additionally, he mentioned reports of hotels and transport companies allegedly facilitating illegal drug-related activities.
Ukpong-Udo further noted that Nigerian youths are jeopardizing their futures by investing their finances, whether obtained legally or illegally, in enriching drug traffickers. This situation not only hampers the country’s development and progress but also undermines the potential of young people and the nation’s overall development.
He also emphasized the agency’s role in collaborating with other law enforcement agencies, as mandated by Section 3(r) of the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act, Cap.N30, Laws of the Federation, 2004, in eradicating the illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, which is crucial for addressing this issue.