The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has raised concerns over the increasing drug use among children and teenagers, particularly in the Southwest region of Nigeria.
According to NDLEA research, 18.9 million Nigerians aged between 15 and 16 are now addicted to various harmful substances.
The agency highlighted Ogun State as having the highest rate of drug use among children and youths in the Southwest.
This is attributed to the state’s large number of tertiary institutions, which attract young people from diverse backgrounds.
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Tijjani Rabe, the Ogun State Commander of the NDLEA, disclosed this while receiving members of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) at the command’s headquarters in Abeokuta.
Rabe, represented by Deputy State Commander Ekundayo Williams, expressed concern that youths are now using substances like nail polish and methylated spirit to get high.
Williams also noted that conventional narcotic substances such as tramadol, codeine syrup, and cannabis have become too expensive for some users.
He emphasized that this issue is a major concern for the families of victims, society, and Nigeria as a whole, as these children are often neglected and not cautioned when found engaging in drug use.
Williams stated that one in five drug abusers injects drugs using needles and syringes, which increases the risk of spreading blood-borne diseases like HIV and Hepatitis B.
He referred to a 2018 survey that revealed 14.3 million Nigerians aged 15 to 16 had used substances in previous years, showing a 5.6 percent increase from 2016.
The survey also indicated that 20 percent of these individuals have drug disorders.
Despite ongoing sensitization and advocacy efforts, the agency has observed a yearly increase in drug use.
The NDLEA has been working with sister organizations and relevant stakeholders to spread awareness in schools, places of worship, markets, parks, and rural communities.
Williams urged parents and residents of Ogun State not to overlook children caught engaging in drug use, as this issue requires immediate attention.
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Credits: Daily Post