SSG forum expresses worry over three million users of illicit drugs in North-East
North East Forum, Secretaries of State Government has expressed worry over 2018 statistics by United Nations office of Drugs and Narcotics, that placed the region with 13.6 percent drug prevalence rate.
The forum which held a maiden meeting in Gombe, had representatives from Bauchi, Borno, Adamawa, Taraba and Yobe States, with heads of security agencies in the region to proffer solutions to the increasing scourge.
According to the outcome, which was obtained by our correspondent on Saturday, Chairman of the Forum, and Secretary to Gombe State Government Prof. Ibrahim Njodi, in his presentation expressed sadness over the figures, stressing that it may have increased, due to the number of years since the survey was conducted.
Njodi said, “The Statistics is glaring for Nigeria and the region. A United Nations office of Drugs and Narcotics (UNODN) Nigeria Drug Use survey in 2018 revealed that;
“One in 4 drug Users is a woman;
One in 7 persons aged 15-64 years had used drug other than tobacco and alcohol.
“Highest levels of drug use is among those aged 25-39years;1 in 5 persons who had used drugs is suffering from drug use disorder;
“In the north, the North East has the highest prevalence rate of 13.6 percent ( over 3 million people) which is disturbing and we have to note that this is in 2018. It is not in doubt that the figure may have increased significantly.”
Stating further the deliberations of the forum with a view to finding lasting and holistic solution, which according to them portends a clear and present danger to the survival of the region, Njodi said its resolution would be presented to the regions governor’s forum.
“The Adequacy of our policies to deal with the issue of Narcotics and drugs abuse.
“How the inflow of narcotics and drugs into the North-East can be disrupted.The roles our traditional institutions are expected to play.
“Strengthening the investigative and prosecutorial abilities of law enforcement. Capacity of our judicial system to deal with the issue. Issues of rehabilitation and empowerment,” the forum added.