NDLEA Boss Laments High Consumption of Illicit Drugs by Nigerians
*14.2 Nigerians consumed illicit drugs in 2018
The Chairman of National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Colonel Mohammad Abdullah (rtd) expressed concerns over the high consumption of illicit drugs by Nigerians.
Abdullah said 14.2 million Nigerians consumed such drugs last year.
The NDLEA Chairman who spoke in Ilorin during a sent-forth ceremony for the retiring commander of the agency in the state, Mr. One Ogileg, said such rate of high consumption of illicit drug is alarming.
Abdullah who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Femi Oloruntoba, said “The recent UN drugs survey puts it that 14.2 million Nigerians consumed illicit drugs in 2018.
“This is higher than the global statistics. Globally, it is estimated that only five million people took drugs last year. Ironically and frighteningly, it means 14.2 percent of Nigerians took drugs last year.
“What this means is that every commercial rider that you see working from 6a.m. to 10p.m. is probably high on drugs. The cultists and the kidnappers that pitch tent in the bush for criminal operations are on drugs. What it means also is that if the government fights against drug abuse, it has fought 50 percent of criminality in Nigeria.
“What we are asking the government to do is to give us the materials, men and money to fight drug abuse in Nigeria.
“It is better to have the presence of NDLEA men in all the corners of the country, but we are short of men.
“Adequate equipment (technology) is where the world is settling today. Equipment can solve a lot of problems without human physically being there. I was opportuned to experience this in China.”
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