Essential Ndubuisi
By Ekwi Ajide
A national discourse on the dangers of non-medical use of opioid pharmaceuticals and other substances of abuse have called for increased synergy between government and organisations in the fight against drug abuse in Nigeria.
The National discourse, organised by the Federal Ministry of Health which was a gathering of representatives from bodies and organisations on drug prevention dwelt on the dangers, challenges and possible solutions to the drug menace in Nigeria.
In his speech, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Mamman Mahuda, said the essence of the programme was to brainstorm on how best to tackle the day to day dangers of using non-medical pharmaceutical products which poses serious health concerns for the country.
The Permanent Secretary who was represented by the Director Food and Drugs Services Department, Pharmacist Olubukola Ajayi, noted that though when properly utilised these opioid pharmaceuticals can improve the quality life they pose serious threat to health and security when abused hence the need for an indepth discussion and appraisal of substance abuse in the country.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, represented by the Assistant Director, Training, Kolo Jonah, said the agency in the past few months had made about one hundred billion naira worth of drug seizures and called for all hands to be on deck in the war as the peace and security of the country is further endangered by the increasing use of substances.
On its part, the International Society of Substance Use Prevention and Treatment Professionals, ISSUP, Nigeria Chapter, represented by the National President, Dr. Martin Agwogie, said development of a multidimensional Evidence Based Prevention Strategy, capacity building of advocates and informed knowledge and skills are needed to fight the scourge head on.
He announced that already, two universities have approved addiction studies to the post graduate level adding that addressing substance use requires action from everybody.
Other speakers on the occasion, including the Director Pharmaceutical Services, Federal Ministry of Health, Pharmacist Taiwo Ologunde, Director Narcotics and Controlled Substances, NAFDAC, Dr. Umar Musa, and the Project Officer Drug Demand Reduction, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes, Akanidomo Ibanga among others re-echoed the need for synergy and asked participants to take home the discussion for better and quicker solution to the drug problem facing the nation.
