By Jemimah Wellington, JKNMedia Reporter
TOWARDS TACKLING the growing challenge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking across Nigerian communities, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) have solidified their collaboration.
This collab emerged during a cour tesy visit by ALGON’s National President, Hon. Aminu Muazu Maifata, and other leaders to NDLEA’s headquarters in Abuja, led by Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA.
Marwa stressed NDLEA’s readiness to partner with local government chairmen, highlighting their pivotal role in raising awareness about the perils of drug abuse and providing support to affected individuals.
He also emphasized the pervasive nature of the drug scourge in communities nationwide, emphasizing the need for concerted efforts to address both demand and supply challenges.
Furthermore, Marwa urged ALGON leaders to mobilize their members in establishing local government drug control committees and War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) committees.
These committees, comprising various stakeholders such as traditional rulers, community leaders, and religious groups, will collaborate closely with NDLEA commands to implement targeted interventions at the grassroots level.
Additionally, Marwa encouraged the adoption of advocacy and widespread drug testing as critical components of local anti-drug strategies and highlighted NDLEA’s efforts in producing accessible and high-quality drug test kits to facilitate early detection and prompt treatment, aiming to deter drug abuse effectively.
Hon. Aminu Maitafa, ALGON’s National President, expressed concern over the detrimental impact of drug abuse on public health, economic activities, and community security as he affirmed his organization’s commitment to supporting NDLEA in eliminating drug abuse from Nigerian communities, pledging to facilitate the deployment of the agency’s personnel to local council areas.
The meeting was attended by key ALGON leaders including Mr. Itiako Ikpokpo, Hon. Bala Chamo, Hon. Aminu Jairo Hassan, Hon. Adamu Bukar, and Hon. Shehu Jega, who all admitted that it marks a significant step towards a collaborative approach in combating drug-related challenges at the grassroots level.
