Kafilat Ogbara, Chair of the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, is advocating for urgent action on the alarming rates of drug abuse among women and youth.
She made this plea during a two-day workshop in Minna focused on addressing drug abuse, trafficking, and violence against women and children in Nigeria’s North Central region.
Ogbara stressed the need for collaboration among stakeholders to tackle the growing problem of illicit substance abuse across the country.
She also highlighted the connection between rising insecurity and the increased intake of illicit substances among young people, underscoring the importance of joint efforts to combat substance abuse and enhance national security.
The prevalence of drug abuse, particularly among women, is a significant concern in Nigeria. A recent report from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) revealed that over 40 percent of Nigerian youths are involved in drug abuse, with a notable portion being women.
Moreover, the misuse of illicit substances contributes to a rise in criminal activities. According to a 2019 NDLEA report, Northern Nigeria records the highest consumption of hard drugs and illicit substances, which correlates with the prolonged insurgency in the region.
The workshop convened delegates from North Central states to brainstorm innovative strategies for community engagement aimed at addressing violence against women and children.
During the event, Yakubu Garba, Deputy Governor of Niger State, acknowledged a decrease in incidents of violence against women while emphasizing the state government’s commitment to preventing youth involvement in substance abuse.
Professor Olufolake Abdulrazaq, Chair of the Nigeria Governors Spouses Forum and wife of the Kwara State Governor, highlighted the link between unrestricted access to illicit substances and national security threats.
She emphasized the necessity for increased investment in prevention programs targeting vulnerable groups, including women and youth in schools and communities.
The workshop participants are tasked with devising practical solutions and recommending legislative reforms to address the intertwined challenges of drug abuse and insecurity in the country.
