Nigeria: Secretary to the Government of the Federation express concern over illicit drug trade in Nigeria
By Correspondent Chinyere Ogbonna – The Secretary to the Government of the Federation of Nigeria, SGF, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim has expressed concern over huge proceeds derived from illicit drug trade in the country.
Senator Anyim who called for strict enforcement of anti-money laundering laws to financially incapacitate drug cartels assured the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) of support for optimal performance.
The SGF made this known in Abuja, the nation’s capital at the occasion of this year’s International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking with the theme, “Global Action for Healthy Communities without Drugs”.
According to Senator Anyim who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Special Duties Mrs. Rabi Jimeta, “the huge resources derived from illicit drug trade cannot be ignored because criminals can undermine governments and economies with such proceeds.
He noted that illicit drug activities of cartels must be stopped in the interest of public peace and security. The SGF pledged to ensure that NDLEA is provided with the needed support to perform optimally. According to him, the country’s drug war is on course and the government would remain focused.
He said the nation must continue to increase her capacity to address the illicit drug problems. The Guest Lecturer at the event, Dr. Mrs Taiwo Adamson, Chief Medical Director Ishwot Consulting Hospital Abeokuta, south- west Nigeria, who presented a paper on the topic “Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment In Nigeria: An Imperative for National Development” called for aggressive drug education to address drug abuse problem in the country.
Dr. Adamson noted that social media network and other medium with high youth attraction should be included in anti-drug campaign programmes. The SGF also called for proactive intervention programmes in line with international best practices.
“We must continue to seek proactive intervention programmes in line with international best practices. We must not relent in the war against illicit drugs because the drug problem we fail to address today is like a time bomb waiting to explode. A drug free society is undoubtedly a crime free society. It is also the desire of any people oriented government”.
Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Alhaji Ahmadu Giade in his welcome address attributed drug control successes to stable political situation in the country.
He noted that the commemoration of the UN Day against drugs is an expression of the country’s determination to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the goal of the United Nations Member states of an International Society Free of Drug Abuse.
In his words, “Nigeria’s drug control achievements were made possible particularly due to the stable and conducive political climate. The goal of this commemoration is therefore to awaken the consciousness of our citizenry on the need to shoulder the nation’s responsibility to prevent and reduce the damage caused by drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking, thereby building a healthier and safer world.
He reiterated the Federal Governments determination to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the goal of the United Nations Member states”.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) country representative in Nigeria, Dr. Oliver Stolpe urged governments, international organizations and individuals to increase their support for counter narcotic efforts.
He also commended the NDLEA for giving a good account of itself in the global action against illicit drug trafficking and abuse.
Alhaji Giade listed consequences of drug abuse such as premature deaths, increase in crime and “today illicit drugs pose a great danger to our society.
He added that Illicit Drugs had continued to destroy lives, generate crime and threaten sustainable development.
According to him, drug abuse takes precedence over the abusers career aspirations, financial decisions and other important things that should be first and foremost in an adult’s mind.
He noted that drug trafficking on the other hand can threaten the security and even the sovereignty of nations while calling for the support of stakeholders noting that no country can fight and win the war against drug barons alone.
Highlights of the event featured anti-drug abuse drama presentation by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Explore Club.
In attendance were top government officials, Members of the Diplomatic Communities, representatives of Service Chiefs, Heads of Security Agencies and youths.
