Buhari inaugurates two-tier panel on elimination of drug abuse

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday inaugurated a two-tier Presidential Intervention Structure for the elimination of drug and substance abuse in the country. While the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha chairs the high level Ministerial Steering Committee, the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Elimination of Drug Abuse would be chaired by General […]

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday inaugurated a two-tier Presidential Intervention Structure for the elimination of drug and substance abuse in the country.

While the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha chairs the high level Ministerial Steering Committee, the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Elimination of Drug Abuse would be chaired by General Buba Marwa (rtd).

Other members of the Presidential Advisory Committee include Wives of the President and the Vice-President, representatives of Governors’ Wives Forum (North and South), Nigeria Custom Service, NAFDAC, NDLEA, and Police among others.

The ministerial steering is charged with the responsibilities of integrating drug abuse issue into extant government policies and new initiatives and provides strategic direction and guidance on drug issues.

Inaugurating the committees at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, President Buhari called for the setting up of state implementation committees.

“This is a situation of emergency and we must face and address it as such. Many adolescents going to schools experience mental health issues, either temporarily or for a long period of time. Some become insane, cannot remain in schools and eventually drop out.

“Drug and alcohol abuse are also major occupational hazards among Nigerian workers, professionals, notably drivers, which contribute to making Nigerian roads particularly dangerous. The drugs that are commonly abused include but not limited to alcohol, cigarettes, caffeine, Tramadol, codeine, etc.

“Today marks the beginning of another milestone in correcting the root cause of some of the ills of today’s society in order to safeguard our common existence and guarantee a brighter future for our current generation and those yet on born,” he said.

Buhari commended his wife for her commitment towards the eradication of drug abuse in the country.

In his remarks, the SGF, Mr Boss Mustapha described drug abuse as a national emergency, requiring concerted efforts by all in the country.

“It’s a national emergency that calls for concerted and collaborative actions by all tiers of government, Non-Governmental Organisations, Development Partners, Civil Society Organisations and religious and traditional leaders. We are now faced with a situation where multiple generations of the same family have become victims,’’ he said.