The Senate has passed a resolution urging the federal government to declare a state of emergency to combat the rampant abuse of drugs in the country.
Additionally, the Senate directed its committees to collaborate with relevant government agencies to organize a national summit aimed at addressing the issue of drug abuse and proposing solutions.
The call for this urgent action followed a motion introduced during Tuesday’s plenary session by Senator Babangida Hussaini (APC, Jigawa).
Senator Hussaini noted that a report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the European Union on drug use in Nigeria revealed alarming statistics.
According to the report, approximately 14.3 million Nigerians between the ages of 15 and 64 are drug abusers.
The report further specified that 10.6 million of these addicts use cannabis, 4.6 million are users of pharmaceutical opioids, and 238 thousand engage in amphetamine abuse.
Senator Hussaini expressed deep concern about the adverse consequences of drug abuse, including its association with a significant number of deaths resulting from accidents and violent crimes.
He also highlighted the discovery of more dangerous substances called “Kurkura” in the North and “Umkpromiri” in the South, contributing to the worsening situation.
Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, underscored the pervasive nature of the drug abuse issue, noting that even celebrities, who are expected to serve as role models, are affected.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in his remarks, emphasized the alarming extent of drug abuse, including instances where youths resort to inhaling offensive odors emanating from soakaways to get intoxicated.
He urged parents to be vigilant and monitor their surroundings in light of this grave concern.
