Abuja: The National Assembly has urged Nigerian women to take the lead in the fight against drug abuse, emphasizing that the nation cannot effectively tackle this challenge without harnessing their pivotal roles in combating the menace. Chairman of the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, Sen. Ibrahim Dankwambo, made this appeal at a workshop focused on the Role of Women in Curbing Drug Abuse in Nigeria.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dankwambo, represented by the Clerk of the Committee, Isa Garuba, emphasized that a comprehensive community-driven approach is vital. He stressed that women should be at the forefront of prevention efforts, given their unique position as custodians of the home and primary educators of children. Women are uniquely positioned to detect early signs of drug use and instill values that protect young people from substance abuse.
Beyond their roles in the home, women also influence policy and drive advocacy in civil society, healthcare, education, and governance. Dankwambo highlighted the necessity of empowering women with knowledge, resources, and platforms to lead prevention efforts, challenge the stigma around drug and substance abuse, and support rehabilitation and reintegration.
He affirmed the Senate’s commitment to supporting legislative frameworks that prioritize women in drug abuse prevention, control, treatment, and rehabilitation services. However, he noted that legislation alone is insufficient, stressing the need for grassroots action, cultural shifts, and sustained public awareness, with Nigerian women playing a central role in these efforts.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abass, represented by Chairman of the House Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, Abass Adigun, remarked that the war on drug abuse cannot be won by law enforcement agencies alone. It requires prevention, education, family support, economic empowerment, and community resilience. He reiterated the House’s commitment to measures aimed at mitigating drug abuse in Nigeria through improved funding, legal backing, and inter-agency collaboration.
Dr. Christabel Okoye, Convener of the workshop and Executive Secretary of the National Association of Nigerian Drug Monitoring (NANDRUM), stated that the presence of women’s associations at the event underscores a shared national commitment to addressing drug abuse. She described the issue as a pressing social challenge, with women occupying strategic positions to shape values and safeguard society’s future.
The workshop, themed ‘Role of Nigerian Women in the Fight against Drug Abuse and Illegal Drug Trafficking,’ brought together participants and representatives from various organizations, including the Nigeria Police Force, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), academia, and civil society organizations.