The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) is set to inaugurate three new model rehabilitation centers by the end of this year, a significant stride in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against drug abuse and illicit trafficking. This announcement was made by the Director of Media and Advocacy of the Agency, Femi Babafemi, during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Sunday.
Babafemi emphasized that the NDLEA is no longer merely addressing the symptoms of drug-related issues but is now tackling the root causes. “We are no longer scratching the surface but getting right to the root of the problems associated with drug abuse and illicit trafficking,” he stated.
Drug abuse remains a pervasive problem in Nigeria, affecting virtually every community across the nation. According to Babafemi, heightened awareness and robust advocacy are essential in reducing this menace to the barest minimum. This conviction has driven the NDLEA to launch the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative, a comprehensive campaign designed to mobilize all segments of society in the fight against drug abuse.
“The War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative aims to involve everyone—families, faith-based organizations, communities, and all societal strata—in this critical campaign,” Babafemi explained. The initiative seeks to create a collective movement that addresses drug abuse from multiple fronts, ensuring that no sector of society is left out.
A key component of the WADA initiative is community engagement and education. The NDLEA believes that by informing and empowering communities, it can foster a proactive stance against drug abuse. “There is hardly any community in Nigeria that does not have a problem of substance abuse,” Babafemi noted. He stressed that awareness campaigns and advocacy efforts are crucial in equipping communities with the knowledge and tools needed to combat drug abuse effectively.
Moreover, Babafemi highlighted the pivotal role of parents in curbing drug abuse among youths. He urged parents to take active ownership of their children’s upbringing, noting that the home environment plays a crucial role in shaping attitudes toward drug use. To support this effort, the NDLEA has made thousands of test kits available for use in homes and offices. These test kits are intended to help parents and employers detect and address drug use early, thereby preventing the escalation of substance abuse problems.
The new rehabilitation centers are expected to provide comprehensive care and support for individuals struggling with drug addiction. These facilities will offer a range of services, including medical treatment, psychological counseling, and social support, all aimed at helping individuals recover and reintegrate into society.
The establishment of these centers underscores the NDLEA’s commitment to not only enforcing drug laws but also providing essential support and rehabilitation services. By addressing both prevention and rehabilitation, the agency aims to create a balanced approach to drug control in Nigeria.
As the NDLEA prepares to launch these new centers, it calls on all Nigerians to support the WADA initiative and other efforts aimed at eradicating drug abuse. Babafemi’s message is clear: combating drug abuse requires a collective effort, and every Nigerian has a role to play in creating a drug-free socie.
The inauguration of three new model rehabilitation centers by the NDLEA marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s fight against drug abuse. Through initiatives like WADA and the active involvement of communities and families, the agency hopes to make substantial progress in reducing the prevalence of substance abuse and helping those affected by addiction to rebuild their lives.
