by George Ozalla
Stakeholders on Tuesday gathered at the National Assembly, Abuja, for a public hearing organised by the House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee on Drug Trafficking and Drug Abuse, as lawmakers intensified efforts to confront the growing spread of illicit drugs and substance abuse across the country.
The hearing, chaired by the Chairman of the Ad hoc Committee, Hon. Oluwatimehin Adelegbe, brought together government officials, civil society organisations, health professionals and advocacy groups to make submissions on the causes, consequences and possible solutions to drug trafficking and abuse. Hon. Adelegbe said the House was deeply worried by the scale of the problem and its impact on public health, security and social stability, especially among young Nigerians, adding that the engagement was intended to gather practical input that would guide legislative and policy action.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, declared the hearing open through his representative, Paul Kalejaye. In his address, the Speaker described drug trafficking and substance abuse as a major national challenge that undermines productivity, fuels crime and threatens the future of the youth, stressing the need for a coordinated response involving lawmakers, regulatory agencies, law enforcement bodies and civil society.
The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Muhammad Ali Pate, told the committee that the rising incidence of drug abuse was placing increasing pressure on the nation’s health system. He highlighted the growing burden of addiction-related illnesses and mental health disorders, and called for stronger prevention strategies, improved regulation of controlled substances and sustained investment in treatment and rehabilitation services.
Speaking at the hearing, Chukwudi George Ozalla, Vice President of Advocacy for Change Initiative, submitted a memorandum on behalf of the organisation in which he outlined the far-reaching effects of drug trafficking and abuse on individuals, families and communities. Ozalla said the unchecked spread of illicit drugs was contributing to rising crime, youth disorientation, mental health challenges and economic decline, while weakening social cohesion and national development.
In its submission, Advocacy for Change Initiative identified weak enforcement, porous borders, poor regulation of pharmaceutical products and limited public awareness as key factors driving the drug crisis. The organisation recommended stronger inter-agency collaboration, tougher penalties for traffickers, improved monitoring of drug distribution channels and sustained funding for prevention, rehabilitation and reintegration programmes. It also emphasised the importance of community-based advocacy and education to reduce demand and address drug abuse at its roots.
Other stakeholders who made submissions echoed similar concerns, calling for legislative reforms to strengthen existing drug control laws, enhance oversight of alcohol, tobacco and pharmaceutical products, and support public health interventions aimed at reducing the availability and consumption of illicit drugs.
In his closing remarks, Hon. Adelegbe assured participants that all memoranda and submissions would be thoroughly reviewed, noting that the committee was committed to producing a comprehensive report that would inform policy direction and possible amendments to existing laws. He said the House of Representatives remained determined to address drug trafficking and drug abuse in the interest of public health, national security and the future of Nigerian youths.
The Ad hoc Committee is expected to present its report and recommendations to the House of Representatives in the coming weeks.
