FEDERAL MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, NDLEA, CISMHEDDR–AFRICA STRENGTHEN COLLABORATION AGAINST DRUG ABUSE AMONG YOUTHS

PRESS RELEASE

30/10/26

FEDERAL MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, NDLEA, CISMHEDDR–AFRICA STRENGTHEN COLLABORATION AGAINST DRUG ABUSE AMONG YOUTHS

The Federal Ministry of Education along with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Civil Society on Mental Health and Drug Demand Reduction (CISMHEDDR–Africa) and other stakeholders are to combat drug abuse, promote mental health awareness and protect Nigerian youths.

The partnership was highlighted at a conference themed “Rescue the Youth, Restore the Future, and Fight Against the Drug Menace,” which brought together government institutions, educators, health professionals, civil society organisations and community leaders to develop strategies for tackling substance abuse among young people.

Speaking at the conference, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mrs Evelyn Obioma Agozlem, described drug abuse as a growing public health and developmental concern, urging stakeholders to prioritise prevention, early intervention and appropriate support for affected youths.

Representing Federal Government Colleges, Mrs Musa Adama Tanko of Federal Government Girls College, Bwari, called for stronger school counselling, parental guidance and closer collaboration among teachers, parents and health professionals to identify and address early signs of substance abuse and mental health challenges among students.

In his keynote address, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), represented by the Director of Drug Demand Reduction, Alhaji Abubakar Garba, warned that substance abuse posed a serious threat to the health, security, education and future of Nigerian youths.

He emphasised that the Agency’s mandate extended beyond drug enforcement to prevention, counselling, treatment and rehabilitation. He also highlighted the War Against Drug Abuse campaign and disclosed that NDLEA had established 31 rehabilitation centres nationwide, with plans to expand access to treatment services.

Earlier, the President of CISMHEDDR–Africa, Engr. Prosper Okafor, called for stronger partnerships among government institutions, schools, healthcare professionals, civil society organisations and community leaders, stressing that the drug menace required collective action.

Other speakers, including Dr. Prince Abba and the President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Abuja, FCT Chapter, Hon. Andrew Okonkwo Ugwu, advocated increased community participation, youth empowerment, mental health support and practical interventions to address the underlying factors driving substance abuse.

The conference reaffirmed the importance of sustained collaboration among government, schools, families and communities in preventing drug abuse, reducing stigma and ensuring that affected young people have access to counselling, treatment and rehabilitation.

Boriowo Folasade
Director, Press and Public Relations