The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has initiated a sensitization campaign aimed at tackling the rising cases of drug abuse and domestic violence in Nigeria’s North-West region. He urged religious and traditional leaders to take proactive steps in addressing these critical social issues.
Speaking at the campaign launch in Kaduna, themed “Stop Drug Abuse and Domestic Violence in Our Communities,” and organized in collaboration with the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Abbas emphasized that addressing these challenges requires collective action, not just government intervention.
He highlighted the essential role of traditional and religious leaders, educators, and other stakeholders in raising awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and domestic violence. His office, he said, would collaborate with NOA, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and other key partners to engage directly with affected communities.
“I have chosen to focus on these pressing issues because they strike at the very heart of our collective security and prosperity,” Abbas stated. “Sensitization is not just about awareness—it is a call to action to educate our citizens, foster preventive measures, and provide critical support services.”
Citing NDLEA reports, he revealed that drug abuse in the North-West has surged by 25% over the past three years, with Kaduna State alone recording a 28% increase in drug seizures in 2023. Similar trends have been observed in Katsina, Kano, Sokoto, Zamfara, Jigawa, and Kebbi.
Abbas also raised concerns over the increasing cases of domestic violence in the region, referencing data from the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, which indicates that nearly 35% of women nationwide have experienced domestic abuse. In Kano, the figures are even higher, reaching 40%.
“These figures serve as a stark reminder that domestic violence not only violates human rights but also inflicts lasting physical, emotional, and psychological trauma on victims, weakening the social fabric of our communities,” he said.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for increasing NDLEA funding, expanding rehabilitation centers, and strengthening anti-drug initiatives. He also acknowledged government efforts to combat domestic violence through legal reforms, safe houses, and awareness campaigns.
The NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier-General Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd.), in his keynote address titled “The Impact of Drug Addiction on National Development,” emphasized the link between drug abuse and criminal activities, stressing the need for a multi-stakeholder approach to tackling the crisis.
Similarly, NOA Director-General Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu called for grassroots engagement, urging traditional and religious leaders to leverage their influence in the fight against drug abuse and domestic violence.
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs, Dr. Aishatu Abubakar-Sadiq, highlighted the dangers of over-the-counter drug abuse, noting that substances like cough syrups and analgesics contribute to addiction.
Abbas urged North-West governors and local government chairmen to support the initiative, stating, “The future of our region depends on the decisive actions we take today. Let us unite to protect our youth from drug addiction and uphold the dignity of every citizen.”
