Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor | Journalist at Weng Global
The Kano State Government, in collaboration with the House of Representatives Committee on Narcotic Drugs, is set to host the North-West Drug Abuse Summit as part of renewed efforts to tackle the growing challenge of substance abuse, illicit drug trafficking, and related crimes across Nigeria’s North-West region.
The summit is expected to bring together lawmakers, security agencies, health experts, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organizations, youth groups, and development partners to develop practical strategies aimed at reducing drug abuse and strengthening drug control mechanisms in the country.
The initiative comes amid increasing concerns over the rising rate of drug misuse among young people, which experts say has contributed significantly to insecurity, violent crimes, mental health disorders, school dropouts, and unemployment across many communities.
Multi-sectoral approach
Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Narcotic Drugs, Hon. Abass Adigun Agboworin, disclosed that the summit is designed to encourage stronger collaboration between federal and state governments as well as relevant stakeholders in addressing Nigeria’s drug crisis.
According to him, drug abuse is no longer merely a public health issue but has evolved into a national security challenge requiring coordinated interventions.
He noted that communities across the North-West continue to experience the devastating consequences of substance abuse, including increased criminal activities, youth radicalization, domestic violence, and declining productivity.
Agboworin stressed that legislative support alone cannot solve the problem without active participation from governments, traditional institutions, families, schools, healthcare professionals, and community leaders.
Why Kano was selected
Kano was chosen to host the regional summit because of its strategic importance as one of Nigeria’s largest commercial hubs and a key gateway linking several northern states.
Officials believe the state is well positioned to coordinate regional discussions involving neighbouring states including Kaduna, Katsina, Jigawa, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara.
The summit is expected to generate policy recommendations that could influence future legislation and strengthen national efforts against drug trafficking networks operating across state and international borders.
Tackling rising drug abuse
Nigeria continues to battle widespread abuse of substances such as cannabis, tramadol, codeine-based cough syrups, methamphetamine, opioids and other illicit drugs.
The problem has become particularly alarming among young people, prompting repeated warnings from health authorities, security agencies and anti-drug organisations.
Experts have linked substance abuse to several social problems, including:
- Rising criminality
- Armed robbery
- Cult-related violence
- Gender-based violence
- Poor academic performance
- Mental health disorders
- Road accidents
- Youth unemployment
Public health professionals have consistently advocated increased investment in prevention programmes, rehabilitation centres and public awareness campaigns rather than relying solely on law enforcement.
Strengthening anti-trafficking efforts
Beyond drug abuse, the summit will also focus on disrupting drug trafficking networks operating across the North-West.
The region shares international borders with neighbouring countries, making it vulnerable to cross-border trafficking and the movement of illicit substances.
Participants are expected to discuss intelligence sharing, improved border surveillance, enhanced prosecution of traffickers and stronger collaboration between federal and state security agencies.
The discussions are also expected to highlight the importance of technology, community policing and regional cooperation in combating organised drug-related crimes.
Role of NDLEA
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intensified nationwide operations against drug traffickers over the past few years, recording thousands of arrests, seizures of illicit substances and convictions.
The agency has equally expanded preventive campaigns through its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative, targeting schools, workplaces, religious institutions and local communities.
NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), has repeatedly maintained that prevention, treatment and rehabilitation must complement enforcement if Nigeria is to successfully reduce drug demand.
Stakeholders at the Kano summit are expected to review existing interventions and identify areas requiring additional legislative and financial support.
Importance of community participation
Experts believe government efforts can only achieve lasting success if families and communities become actively involved.
Parents have been encouraged to monitor their children’s activities more closely while schools are expected to strengthen counselling services and drug education programmes.
Religious leaders and traditional rulers are also seen as critical partners because of their influence within communities.
Civil society organisations are expected to use the summit as an opportunity to advocate improved access to rehabilitation services for individuals struggling with addiction.
Economic implications
Drug abuse has continued to impose enormous economic costs on Nigeria.
Apart from increasing healthcare expenditure, substance abuse contributes to reduced labour productivity, rising insecurity, overcrowded correctional facilities and declining educational outcomes.
Businesses also suffer from absenteeism, workplace accidents and reduced efficiency associated with drug dependence.
Analysts say addressing drug abuse could significantly improve economic productivity while enhancing public safety and social stability.
Expected outcomes
At the end of the summit, participants are expected to produce a communiqué outlining actionable recommendations for governments, lawmakers, security agencies and development partners.
Among the anticipated outcomes are:
- Stronger regional cooperation against drug trafficking.
- Increased funding for rehabilitation centres.
- Expanded drug prevention campaigns.
- Improved support for youth empowerment initiatives.
- Enhanced legislative backing for anti-drug programmes.
- Better collaboration among security agencies.
- Greater community participation in prevention efforts.
The recommendations are expected to complement ongoing federal initiatives aimed at reducing drug demand and disrupting organised trafficking networks.
Looking ahead
Stakeholders believe the North-West Drug Abuse Summit represents an important opportunity to develop sustainable solutions to one of Nigeria’s most pressing social and security challenges.
With youth making up a significant proportion of the country’s population, participants are expected to emphasise preventive education, employment opportunities, skills acquisition and stronger family support systems as long-term measures against drug abuse.
Observers say sustained collaboration among governments, lawmakers, anti-drug agencies, community leaders and development partners will be critical in translating the summit’s resolutions into concrete actions capable of reducing substance abuse and safeguarding future generations.
Sources
- House of Representatives Committee on Narcotic Drugs
- National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)
- News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
- Federal Ministry of Health
