The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has called for tougher action against drug traffickers and greater support for people struggling with drug dependence, describing drug abuse as a serious threat to society.
Abbas spoke on Saturday at the end of a three-day sensitisation programme on drug abuse and domestic violence in Kaduna, organised in collaboration with the National Orientation Agency (NOA) as part of his constituency outreach.
“We must punish those who profit from drugs. We must also treat those who have become trapped by them. The dealer needs the law. The dependent person needs care,” Abbas said.
He added, “The government is present. The law is active. The public must also participate.”
The Speaker said tackling drug abuse required coordinated efforts from families, schools, communities and security agencies. He urged parents to watch for behavioural changes, schools to strengthen counselling, and traditional and religious leaders to speak openly against addiction and domestic violence.
Abbas linked drug trafficking to wider security challenges, particularly banditry and kidnapping in the North-West, saying criminal networks could use drug routes to move weapons, illicit funds and violent offenders.
“Drugs do not explain every crime, but they are part of Nigeria’s wider security challenge,” he said.
He stressed the importance of disrupting drug supply chains, saying, “Every shipment stopped can deny criminals money for weapons and recruitment,” while “every person rescued from addiction is one less person exposed to violent groups.”
On domestic violence, Abbas said victims should seek safety, medical care and legal assistance, while communities must protect rather than stigmatise them.
“Domestic violence is not discipline or culture. It is abuse. It harms the victim, frightens children, and weakens the community,” he said.
The Speaker said drug control should form part of broader security efforts in the North-West, combining enforcement, education, treatment and community vigilance.
He recalled that the previous edition of the programme, held in February 2025, led to a four-month awareness campaign across the North-West, involving traditional rulers, religious leaders, teachers, parents, youths and community organisations.
Abbas commended NOA Director-General Lanre Issa Onilu and other participating agencies, including the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Immigration Service and Federal Road Safety Corps.
He also commended President Bola Tinubu for retaining Brigadier-General Mohammed Marwa (rtd.) as NDLEA Director-General and supporting enforcement, public education and treatment initiatives, including a new 50-bed rehabilitation centre in Maiduguri.
The Speaker said the National Assembly would continue strengthening laws, funding enforcement and treatment programmes, and using oversight to demand results.
He urged Nigerians to support efforts to prevent drug abuse, tackle domestic violence and protect vulnerable members of society.
