HURIWA urges national support against growing drugs threat

Commends NDLEA’s asset seizure policy

Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has expressed concern over projections indicating a significant rise in drug intake in Africa, particularly Nigeria, by 2030.

According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), drug use on the continent is expected to surge by 40 per cent, driven predominantly by the burgeoning youth population.

The group noted that this alarming forecast necessitates immediate and robust action to prevent an impending public health crisis.

Additionally, HURIWA advocated for national dailies to allocate a small section of their front or back pages to carry leaflets from the NDLEA.

These leaflets should educate Nigerians on the dangers of hard drugs, and be provided free of charge as part of the media’s corporate social responsibility.

Similarly, the civil rights advocacy group enthused that television and radio stations should grant the NDLEA at least one minute of free airtime daily to campaign against drug abuse, stressing that these efforts will significantly amplify public awareness and contribute to the broader societal push against drug trafficking and abuse.

The group, in a statement by its national coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko yesterday, applauded the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for its strategy of seizing the assets of drug barons and traffickers.

The association said this measure is a testament to the Nigerian government’s commitment, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, to combat the trafficking of hard drugs.

HURIWA emphasised that the recent remarks by NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd), highlight the agency’s relentless efforts and successes in the war against drug cartels since the offensive began in January 2021.

“These principles are essential for maintaining public trust and ensuring the agency’s efforts are effective and just. The association believes these reforms will stand the test of time and serve as a model for other law enforcement agencies,” it added.