NDLEA and ALGON Collaborate to Combat Drug Abuse and Trafficking in Local Communities
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) have agreed to collaborate to combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking in local communities. NDLEA Chairman Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd) emphasized the importance of local government involvement, as drug issues are prevalent in grassroots areas. The NDLEA plans to deploy personnel to rural areas to support these efforts. Marwa urged local leaders to form drug control committees, incorporating traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community groups, and to prioritize advocacy and drug testing. ALGON President Aminu Maitafa expressed commitment to working with the NDLEA, acknowledging the severe impact of drug abuse on health, businesses, and security. This partnership aims to establish structures for effective drug control and ensure a safer environment in local communities.
NDLEA Chairman Highlights the Importance of Local Involvement
Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd), Chairman of the NDLEA, emphasized the critical need for this collaboration, noting that drug abuse and trafficking are more prevalent in local communities. According to NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, Marwa urged local government chairmen to actively engage in sensitizing residents about the dangers of drug abuse and to provide support for individuals already affected by this unhealthy habit.Marwa stated, “We are particularly happy that you’re here to identify with our work and partner with us because you are the closest tier of government to the people, especially the grassroots and our communities where the majority of Nigerians reside. This is more so because the drug scourge is in virtually all our communities, and no community across the country is spared. As such, we need your partnership to cascade all our efforts in terms of drug demand reduction and even supply reduction, down to the remote communities.
Deployment of NDLEA Personnel
The NDLEA is deploying personnel to local government areas to establish a physical presence in rural communities, enhancing support efforts to curb drug abuse and illicit drug dealing. Marwa encouraged ALGON leaders to mobilize their members to set up local government drug control committees and war against drug abuse committees, comprising traditional rulers, religious leaders, market groups, and women’s group.Marwa also highlighted the importance of advocacy and drug testing, noting that the Agency has produced mass quantities of quality test kits for use in homes, offices, and other settings. These kits aim to facilitate early detection and treatment for those who test positive, fostering deterrence.
We are happy to partner with you because you are the closest tier of government to the people, especially the grassroots, where the majority of Nigerians reside. We need your partnership to reduce drug demand and supply in our communities.” — Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd), NDLEA Chairman.
The partnership between the NDLEA and ALGON marks a crucial step towards combating drug abuse and illicit trafficking in Nigeria’s local communities. By leveraging local government involvement and deploying NDLEA personnel to rural areas, this collaboration aims to create a safer and healthier environment through grassroots sensitization, advocacy, and comprehensive drug control measures.
