Speaker Abbas laments rising cases of drug abuse, domestic violence in North-West

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has expressed deep concern over the reported increase in cases of drug abuse and domestic violence in the North-West region of the country.

The Speaker emphasised the urgent need for action and called on traditional rulers and religious bodies to assist in raising awareness against these vices.

He made these remarks at the launch of a sensitisation campaign against drug abuse and domestic violence in the North-West Zone, themed “Stop Drug Abuse and Domestic Violence in Our Communities”, organised in collaboration with the National Orientation Agency (NOA).

Speaker Abbas stressed that the eradication of drug abuse, illicit drug trafficking, and domestic violence should not be left solely to the government but should be the collective responsibility of all stakeholders.

He urged traditional and religious leaders, as well as educators, to join the campaign against drug abuse and domestic violence, encouraging them to educate those under their influence on the societal impact of these issues.

The Speaker announced that his office would collaborate closely with the NOA, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and other key stakeholders to “engage directly with communities, traditional rulers, religious leaders, educators, and non-governmental organisations across all states and local government areas in the North-West.”

He stated: “I have chosen to focus on these pressing issues because they strike at the very heart of our collective security and prosperity. Sensitisation, in this context, is far more than an awareness campaign; it is a decisive call to action.

“By educating our citizens about the perils of drug abuse and domestic violence, we aim to foster preventative measures, extend critical support services, and empower our communities to safeguard their future.”

The launch comes at “a critical juncture for our region, where recent data from various Nigerian government agencies have underscored the urgency of these issues.”

He cited a report by the NDLEA, which revealed a 25 per cent rise in drug abuse in the North-West over the past three years. He further highlighted that in Kaduna State alone, statistics indicated a 28 per cent increase in drug seizures in 2023 compared to the previous year, with similar troubling trends observed in Katsina, Kano, Sokoto, Zamfara, Jigawa, and Kebbi.

“In these states, law enforcement agencies are contending with a surge in the availability and consumption of illicit substances, which threatens public safety and undermines socio-economic stability,” the Speaker said.

Speaker Abbas also expressed grave concern over the continued prevalence of domestic violence, which has devastated families and communities, particularly in the North-West.

He referenced data from the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey and reports from the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, which indicate that nearly 35 per cent of women nationwide have experienced some form of domestic violence, with the situation even more alarming in the North-West.

He highlighted recent figures from Kano, suggesting that up to 40 per cent of women have encountered domestic abuse, while Kaduna, Katsina, and Sokoto have recorded significant increases in reported cases over the past year.

“These figures are a stark reminder that domestic violence not only violates human rights but also inflicts lasting physical, emotional, and psychological trauma that weakens the social fabric of our communities,” he said.

Addressing these twin challenges, the Speaker acknowledged the commendable and targeted interventions by the Federal Government of Nigeria under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

“At the national level, the government has significantly bolstered the capacity of the NDLEA by increasing funding, providing modern tools and enhanced training, and launching initiatives that expand rehabilitation centres and community-based outreach programmes. These measures have disrupted drug trafficking networks and provided essential support to those affected by substance abuse.”

On the issue of domestic violence, the Speaker noted that the government has introduced robust legal reforms and reinforced policies through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development. These efforts include establishing safe houses, counselling services, and comprehensive public awareness campaigns to protect victims and promote a cultural shift towards zero tolerance of abuse.

While affirming that it is the government’s duty to enact and enforce policies addressing the root causes of these challenges, he stressed that community leaders must foster a culture that unequivocally rejects drug abuse and domestic violence.

The Speaker stated: “I call upon all the governors of the North-West states and their local government chairmen to wholeheartedly support this initiative and work in unison with the agencies responsible for its execution. The future of our region depends on the decisive actions we take today. Let us unite our efforts to protect our youth from the destructive allure of drugs and uphold the rights and dignity of every citizen.”

The Chairman of NDLEA, Brigadier-General Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd.), noted that drug abuse remains one of the major challenges facing the country, adding that there is a strong link between drug abuse and criminality.

While acknowledging that the NDLEA serves as the primary agency in controlling the flow of illicit drugs in Nigeria, Marwa stressed that the responsibility does not rest with the agency alone, as security agencies, the public, and religious and traditional institutions all have vital roles to play.

Director-General of NOA, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, described the campaign as a call to action for all stakeholders to ensure a safer society for all.

He emphasised the need for sensitisation at the grassroots level, particularly among the youth, urging traditional and religious leaders to leverage their influence to campaign against drug abuse.

Issa-Onilu warned that Nigeria risks losing a generation to drug abuse and addiction if urgent action is not taken.

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State also highlighted the need to address the misuse of over-the-counter drugs, noting that, in addition to hard drugs, medications such as cough syrups and analgesics are frequently abused.

The Governor outlined his administration’s interventions while commending the local governments in Kaduna for their collaborative efforts.

By Tony Akowe