The House of Representatives on Wednesday charged the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to develop a mechanism to end drug bunker cases in all the federation states.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion titled, “Call on the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to Eradicate Drug Bunks in the Country,” moved by Hon. Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo at the Plenary presided over by the Speaker, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas.
The House mandated the Committee on Drugs and Narcotics to ensure compliance.
While moving the motion, the lawmaker said that the House noted that the functions of the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency, among others, include “strengthening cooperation with the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Police Force, Customs, Immigration, Welfare Officials, Health Officials, and Other Law Enforcement Agencies in the eradication of illicit traffic in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances,” as mandated by Section 3(r) of the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act, Cap.N30, Laws of the Federation, 2004.
He added that the House also noted the provisions of Section 3(f) of the Act, which state that “adoption of measures which shall include coordinated preventive and repressive action, introduction, and maintenance of investigative and control techniques.”
“It was disturbing that recent statistics from the Agency showed 40% of Nigerian youth aged 18–35 involved in drug abuse, and according to a report from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), over 14.3 million aged 15–64 engaged in the same.
According to him, the House was alarmed that drug bunks are being opened in strategic locations in various cities across the country and are fast becoming hostels where young Nigerians are found spending their entire day.
These bunks are well-known to security agencies and citizens.
“The House is worried that drug abuse in Nigeria is a growing concern, affecting personal growth, societal values, and health and security risks, with hotels and transport companies allegedly aiding illegal activities.
“It is also concerned that the future of Nigerian youths is being destroyed as they invest all their finances from legitimate or illegal means in enriching Drug Barons, affecting the country’s development and progress. This situation jeopardizes youths’ future and undermines the country’s development and progress.
When the motion was put to a voice vote, other members unanimously supported it.