Speaker Abbas launches campaign against drug abuse, domestic violence

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, on Monday launched a sensitization campaign against the rising cases of drug abuse and domestic violence in the North-West geopolitical zone, stating that urgent action is required.

 

Hon. Abbas made the call in Kaduna State during the flag-off of the Sensitization Campaign Against Drug Abuse and Domestic Violence in the North-West Zone, themed “Stop Drug Abuse and Domestic Violence in Our Communities,” organized in collaboration with the National Orientation Agency (NOA).

 

He emphasized that the task of eradicating drug abuse, illicit drug flow, and domestic violence should not be left to the government alone, noting that it is the collective responsibility of all stakeholders.

 

Speaker Abbas, therefore, urged traditional and religious leaders, as well as educators, to join the campaign against drug abuse and domestic violence, calling on them to educate those under their influence about the impact of these issues on society.

 

The Speaker, who convened the sensitization campaign, announced that his office would work 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 organizations across all states and local governments in the North-West.

 

He said:

“I have chosen to focus on these pressing issues because they strike at the very heart of our collective security and prosperity. Sensitization, 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 Speaker noted that the flag-off comes at “a critical juncture for our region,” as recent data from various Nigerian government agencies underscore the urgency of these issues.

 

Citing a report by the NDLEA, he highlighted a 25 percent rise in drug abuse in the North-West over the past three years.

 

The NDLEA also reported that in Kaduna State alone, drug seizures increased by 28 percent in 2023 compared to the previous year, with similar troubling trends observed in Katsina, Kano, Sokoto, Zamfara, Jigawa, and Kebbi states.

 

“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 further expressed concern over the growing prevalence of domestic violence, stating that it continues to devastate families and communities across the nation, particularly in the North-West.

 

He cited data from the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey and reports from the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, which reveal that nearly 35 percent of women nationwide have experienced some form of domestic violence, adding that “the situation is even more alarming” in the North-West.

 

According to the Speaker, recent figures from Kano suggest that up to 40 percent 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,” Abbas stated.

 

 

 

Addressing the dual challenges of drug abuse and domestic violence, the Speaker commended the Nigerian government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for its proactive interventions.

 

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

 

 

 

On domestic violence, Speaker Abbas highlighted the government’s introduction of robust legal reforms and policies through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development. These efforts, he said, include the establishment of safe houses, counseling services, and comprehensive public awareness campaigns aimed at protecting victims and promoting a culture of zero tolerance for abuse.

 

While acknowledging the government’s role in enacting and enforcing policies to address these challenges, he stressed the responsibility of community leaders in fostering a culture that unequivocally rejects drug abuse and domestic violence.

 

“I call upon all governors of the North-West states and their local government chairmen to wholeheartedly support this initiative and work in unison with the agencies charged with 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 the NDLEA, Brigadier-General Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd.), CON, who delivered the keynote address titled “The Impact of Drug Addiction on National Development,” noted that drug abuse remains one of the country’s most significant challenges.

 

Marwa emphasized the strong link between drug abuse and criminality.

 

While acknowledging that the NDLEA is at the forefront of combating illicit drug flow in Nigeria, he stressed that it is not the agency’s responsibility alone, calling for collaboration among security agencies, the public, and religious and traditional institutions.

 

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

 

Calling for increased grassroots sensitization, particularly among the youth, he urged traditional and religious leaders to leverage their influence in the fight against drug abuse.

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Issa-Onilu warned that Nigeria risks losing an entire generation to drug addiction if urgent steps are not taken.

 

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs, Dr. Aishatu Abubakar-Sadiq, emphasized the need to monitor over-the-counter drugs, noting that beyond hard drugs, medicines such as cough syrups and analgesics are also commonly abused.

 

The Governor also outlined his administration’s interventions, commending local governments in

Kaduna for their collaborative efforts in addressing the issue.