The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has expressed concern over the rate at which secondary school students, particularly girls, are so addicted to drugs to the extent that they organise drug parties.
NDLEA’s Commander in jigawa State, Hajiya Maryam Gambo, stated this while proposing mandatory drug test for intending couples and candidates into tertiary institutions, at the inauguration of the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) on Wednesday.
Gambo said the NDLEA is committed and would put in more effort to combat drug abuse in the country.
She said: “The World Drug Report ranked Nigeria as the leading country in the abuse of cannabis. And these statistics should worry Nigeria. Also, over 2,000 tons of hard drugs valued at N90 billion was seized in the country in 10 months. Just last month, over 200 persons were arrested including 49 females.
“Girls, mostly in high schools, organise drug parties even here in Jigawa State. Therefore, NDLEA is soliciting government support to subject residents to drug tests when they are making arrangements for marriage, admission, employment and more importantly, those aspiring for political positions,” she said.
“Sequel to the inauguration of WADA programme nationwide, the initiative is aimed at eliminating drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria, hence the need to replicate it in Gumel Emirate.
“The reason for gathering very important dignitaries today, especially traditional institutions is because you are the custodians of the tradition, and mouthpiece and ear of your various communities. Therefore, I want the WADA message to be passed to the grassroots.”
