By Kingsley Okoye
The National Assembly has urged Nigerian women to take the lead in the fight against drug abuse, saying the country cannot tackle the challenge without leveraging their roles in combating the menace.
Chairman, Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, Sen. Ibrahim Dankwambo, made the call at a workshop on the Role of Women in Curbing Drug Abuse in Nigeria.
Dankwambo, represented by the Clerk of the Committee, Isa Garuba, said a comprehensive community-driven approach remained a sustainable solution measure, with women at the forefront of prevention efforts in communities.
He noted that women, as custodians of the home and first educators of children, are uniquely positioned to detect early signs of drug use and instil values that protect young people from substance abuse.
“Beyond the home, women also play critical roles in civil society, healthcare, education, and governance, where they influence policy and drive advocacy.
“Empowering women with knowledge, resources and platforms is not optional, it is necessary,” he said.
Dankwambo said when women are equipped to lead prevention efforts, challenge the stigma around drug and substance abuse, support rehabilitation and reintegration, entire communities become stronger and more aware.
He said Senate was committed to supporting legislative frameworks that place women at the forefront of drug abuse prevention, control, treatment and rehabilitation services.
“But legislation alone is not enough, we need grassroots action, cultural shifts and sustained public awareness and Nigerian women are central to all the mitigating measures.
“I, therefore, call on all women present here today to see yourselves not just as beneficiaries of this fight, but as leaders of this fight.
“Let us work together; government, civil society and communities to build a Nigeria where our children will be free from the grip of drugs,” he said.
Speaker, House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abass, represented by Chairman, House Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, Abass Adigun, said war on drug abuse cannot be won by law enforcement agency alone.
“It can only be won through the prevention, education, family support system, economic empowerment and community resiliency,” he added.
He said the House of Representatives was fully committed to measures toward mitigating drug abuse in Nigeria.
He said that the House of Representatives has continued to support and advance intervention in key areas, especially in the area of governance review and institutional accountability.
He said the National Assembly had also made significant efforts to ensure that public fund was appropriated for the fight against drug abuse.
“We have ensured improved funding, legal backing and inter-agency collaboration for institutions to tackle trafficking syndicates, money laundering, organised crime and cross-border smuggling.
“We continue to advocate greater participant improvement in policymaking, community data, school management systems and security power,” he added.
He said no fight on drug abuse can succeed without the active leadership of women in community development, social protection schemes and social investment initiatives.
Convener of the workshop and Executive Secretary, National Association of Nigerian Drug Monitoring (NANDRUM), Dr Christabel Okoye, said the presence of women associations reflects shared national commitment to addressing the issue of drug abuse.
She described the menace of drug abuse as the most pressing social challenge confronting the nation.
Okoye said drug abuse and illicit trafficking continue to cause serious threats to public health, family stability, community safety and national development.
She said women as mothers, caretakers and caregivers, professionals and community influencers occupy a unique and strategic position in shaping values, guiding behaviours, and safeguarding future of the society.
She said the workshop was designated to harness the strength inherent in the leadership of Nigerian women by helping them to solve problems in mental health in promoting prevention, advocacy, early intervention and community-based solutions.
“Through collective engagement, we can amplify awareness, challenge harmful norms, and build resilience,” she said.
She encouraged all participants to actively engage in the discussion, contribute ideas, and explore practical strategies that can be implemented with their reach to fight drug abuse.
“Together, we can make a meaningful impact in reducing drug abuse and curbing illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria,” she added.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop with theme, “Role of Nigerian Women in the Fight against Drug Abuse and Illegal Drug Trafficking”, had participants and representatives from the Nigeria Police Force.
Others are the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Academia, Civil Society Organisations (CSO) on drug abuse prevention, among others.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Francis Onyeukwu
