In a startling revelation that underscores the depth of Nigeria’s drug abuse crisis, addicts are now resorting to cemeteries to find alternative substances, following a nationwide ban on dangerous drugs. This alarming trend was disclosed by Dr. Martins Agwogie, a narcotics expert, during the maiden stakeholders’ summit on drug abuse prevention and control in Ilorin, Kwara State.
As the Special Assistant to the President on Citizenship and Leadership, Ms. Rinsola Abiola, calls for the establishment of more rehabilitation centres and state governments’ active involvement, the extent of the crisis becomes increasingly evident. Agwogie’s insights reveal addicts exhuming corpses to grind their bones for sniffing, a testament to the dire situation facing the nation.
Despite concerted efforts by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Nigeria remains one of the world’s most prominent drug use hotspots. Agwogie criticizes the total ban on certain substances, suggesting it overlooks the needs of those requiring them as prescribed medications and does not address the root causes of abuse.
In response to this growing menace, the Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum (NGSF) has called for a state of emergency on substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking. At a recent training organised by the NDLEA for the wives of state governors, a communiqué was issued emphasizing the importance of rehabilitation and the holistic recovery of addicts. The forum highlighted the necessity of state-led initiatives, including the establishment of State Drug Control Committees (SDCC) and the construction of standard drug rehabilitation centres across senatorial zones.
The resolutions reflect a comprehensive understanding of the intricate relationship between drug use and societal issues such as crime, health problems, and national security threats. The NGSF commends the NDLEA’s efforts and pledges to extend their newly acquired knowledge to their respective states.
This grim scenario of drug addicts turning to cemeteries for alternatives spotlights the urgency of addressing the drug abuse pandemic in Nigeria. It calls for a multi-faceted approach, combining law enforcement with public health strategies, to combat a crisis that threatens the fabric of society.
