Reps task NDLEA, NAFDAC, others on control of abusive use of drugs

The House of Representatives on Tuesday called on National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on the need to put necessary mechanisms in place with the view to checkmate abusive use of drugs and narcotics among Nigerian youths.

The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Omowunmi Ogunlola who decried the wrong usage of drugs and narcotics manufactured to combat health challenges by various age grades.

While stressing the need for all the health sector regulatory agencies to be alive to their responsibilities as provided in the relevant Acts by ensuring that this ugly trend is checkmated, the lawmakers also urged Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) to exercise control by ensuring that only qualified Pharmacists are allowed to run Pharmaceutical shops.

In her lead debate, Hon. Ogunlola expressed grave concern over the “rate that drugs are abused mainly by the youths which has reached an alarming rate, with its attendant consequences given that the youths are the future of any country and if a sizeable number of youths continually engage in drugs abuse, it may spell doom for the future of the nation.

“The House also notes that it was in appreciation of the need to combat the above situation that the Federal Government established the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control to eradicate the menace of drug abuse.

“The House is alarmed that despite statutory measures put in place to eradicate indiscriminate use and abuse of drugs, there seems to be little or no impact judging by the reports from the media on incessant abuse of drugs.

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“The House is aware that there are increasing incidents of misdemeanor, resulting in harassment and unruly behavior on the part of the youth resulting in unbridled killings of fellow citizens even in some unbelievable circumstances involving children killing their parents.

“The House is worried that if the trend continues unabated, Nigerian streets may be populated by lunatics in the next 10 years,” she said.

In the bid to address the menace, the House harped on the need for National Orientation Agency (NOA) to embark on media campaigns against drug abuse while sensitizing citizens on the disastrous effects of drug abuse on individuals involved and the society at large.

While calling on parents to be alive to their responsibilities in giving their children proper up-bringing, the House mandated its joint Committees on Healthcare Services and Narcotic Drugs to ensure implementation.