Bureau calls for collective action against drug abuse

Emmanuel Kwada

The Bureau of Public Service Reforms has called for a united, nationwide effort to combat the rising tide of drug abuse among Nigeria’s youth.

This was disclosed in a statement by the Head Strategic Communications at BPSR, Aliyu Umar on Wednesday.

This call came during the opening remarks of the 10th National Youth Summit on Drugs and Substance Abuse held in Abuja between Tuesday and Wednesday.

Speaking at the summit, Director-General of BPSR, Dasuki Arabi, emphasised that drug abuse has become a serious threat to both the social fabric and economic progress of Nigeria.

He noted that, according to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, more than 14 million Nigerians are affected by substance abuse, with a large proportion of them being young people between the ages of 18 and 35.

“Our nation’s youth are the bedrock of Nigeria’s development, innovation, and leadership. Yet, this potential is gravely threatened by the proliferation of drug abuse and associated crimes,” he said.

Arabi cited recent statistics revealing that 30 per cent of Nigerian youths have experimented with drugs, with substances like cannabis, cocaine, and prescription medications being the most commonly abused.

He also pointed to the increase in drug-related crimes, noting that 60 per cent of individuals arrested for drug offenses are under the age of 35.

“This is not just a statistic; it represents lives disrupted, families torn apart, and communities living in fear,” Arabi remarked.

The BPSR head stressed the importance of a collective response from all sectors of society to tackle this issue.

He mentioned that the government has already made significant strides through strengthened law enforcement, the establishment of rehabilitation centers, and community-based initiatives.

“We recognise that no single entity can solve this issue alone. The Bureau has prioritized initiatives that complement the government’s fight against drug abuse, including institutional strengthening, youth empowerment programs, and public awareness campaigns,” he said.

Arabi also called on the youth gathered at the summit to take an active role in the fight against drug abuse.

“To our vibrant youth gathered here: you are the agents of change. The path to a drug-free Nigeria begins with your resolve, your choices, and your determination,” he urged.

Founder and Executive Director of the African Youths Initiative on Crime Prevention, Ambassador Chris Ibe echoed these sentiments during his welcome address.

Ibe underscored the importance of youth engagement in addressing the drug abuse crisis, stressing that empowering young people is key to creating a drug-free future.

“Empowering youth today ensures they can thrive in a drug-free environment, ultimately leading to a brighter, healthier, and more prosperous future for all,” Ibe said.

Reflecting on the summit’s decade-long history, Ibe noted that the initiative has made significant strides in raising awareness and developing youth-driven solutions to drug abuse.

“Over the past decade, the National Youth Summit has catalysed youth-driven solutions to drug abuse,” he said.

“Many former attendees, empowered by the knowledge and skills gained through the summit, have gone on to create youth-led anti-drug campaigns in their local communities,” he added.