He said the bill would give recognition to the affected persons and change the narrative on drug abuse, as those into it were perceived not to be part of the society.

Barnabas said the bill aimed at helping the youths, who were into drugs to become useful members of the society.

“This bill seeks to create an agency to manage the crisis entirely, and to make the youths who are into drugs to become useful to Kaduna State.

“With an expanded mandate to reflect the best international practices and conventions that will necessitate the renaming of Kaduna State Bureau for Substance Abuse Agency (KADBUSA) as Kaduna State Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Agency (KADSAMHSA),” he said.

According to Barnabas, the bill will strengthen the agency’s comprehensive role in managing mental health and substance abuse services in the state.

The House presided by the Speaker, Yusuf Liman, unanimously adopted the report and recommendations of the committee.

Meanwhile, a bill for a Law to establish the Kaduna State Senior Secondary School Education Board has scaled second reading.

Also, a bill to amend the Customary Courts Law No. 9 of 2001 (as Amended), sponsored by Emmanuel Bako Kantiok, Member Representing Zonkwa Constituency, scaled first reading. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali