By Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka, Abuja
Dr. (Mrs) Christabel Reagan Okoye, Executive Secretary of the National Association of Nigerian Drug Monitoring (NANDRUM), expressed her passionate support for a Bill to establish a National Institute for the Rehabilitation of Victims of Drug Abuse.
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Speaking to Journalists shortly after a public hearing organized to that effect on Tuesday, she said: “If this Bill is passed into law, it will be the best thing that ever happened in our country, because many of our youths are now into drug abuse.” Dr. Okoye emphasized the need for more rehabilitation centers in the country, citing the alarming rate of violence and destruction caused by drug abuse.
A public hearing was held on Tuesday to deliberate on a Bill for an Act to Establish a National Institute on Drugs Awareness and Rehabilitation, sponsored by Senator Rufai Sani Hanga. The Bill aims to address the growing issue of drug abuse in Nigeria by providing a comprehensive framework for awareness and rehabilitation.
According to Dr. Okoye, Nigeria needs at least 1,000 rehabilitation centers to address the growing demand for treatment and support services. She noted that with less than 200 functional rehabilitation centers in a country of over 200 million people, the current capacity is grossly inadequate.
However, Shedrack Haruna from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) expressed concerns that the Bill may be unnecessary, citing duplication of duties. He suggested that the government should instead focus on equipping the NDLEA to improve in its efforts to handle the issue.
The Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, led by Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, has expressed support for the Bill. Senator Rufai Sani Hanga, who sponsored the Bill, emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing drug abuse in Nigeria.
The proposed institute is expected to play a crucial role in raising awareness, providing rehabilitation services, and supporting those affected by drug abuse. NANDRUM’s support for the Bill underscores the need for collective action to address this pressing issue
The public hearing marked an important step towards finding a solution to the growing problem of drug abuse in Nigeria. The Bill’s supporters hope that it will provide a much-needed framework for addressing the issue and providing support to those affected.
