Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has warned that Nigeria must never again become a dumping ground for toxic substances, counterfeit medicines, illicit drugs and unregulated alcohol.
Abbas spoke at a public hearing of the House on drug trafficking, substance abuse and regulation of alcohol, tobacco and pharmaceuticals in Abuja, saying corporate profit must not override national wellbeing.
The speaker who was represented by Hon. Kalejaiye Paul said drug trafficking and substance abuse were destroying young lives and threatening public health, national security, economic productivity and the future of Nigerian youths, citing rising abuse of codeine syrups, tramadol and synthetic narcotics.
Chairman of the Ad hoc Committee on Drugs, Trafficking, Alcohol and Tobacco Abuse, Hon. Oluwatimehin Adelegbe, said drug abuse now threatens the soul of Nigeria.
The UNODC, represented by Dr. Femi Ajayi, said 14.4% of Nigerians aged 15–64 use drugs, with cannabis having 10.6 million users and about seven million using pharmaceutical opioids. Nearly three million Nigerians suffer from drug use disorders. The NDLEA, represented by muhammed Ibrahim, reaffirmed its commitment to combatting drug abuse, calling for stronger laws, better regulation, and expanded treatment systems.
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