Usman Wadar, Strategic Commander of the National Drug Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, has revealed a concerning statistic: approximately 14 million Nigerians, out of an estimated population of 223 million, have either experimented with or become addicted to drugs.
Wadar made this declaration during a visit from the Skyway Aviation Handling Company Plc (SAHCO) at the Lagos Airport. This visit was marked by SAHCO’s donation of various medical facilities to the NDLEA’s airport command as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.
The donated medical equipment included vital tools such as an incubator, centrifuge machine, sphygmomanometer, weighing scale, poison box, lipid profile meter, staining rack, and ambu bags, all intended to bolster the NDLEA’s operational capabilities.
During the event, Wadar referenced the 2018 United Nations Drug Survey, which provided the alarming figure of 14 million drug-affected Nigerians. He emphasized that drug abuse is a global and societal issue, but also pointed to recent Nigerian statistics that indicate a positive trend of declining drug use.
Wadar provided comparative seizure data to illustrate the agency’s progress. In 2022, the command seized approximately 21 tonnes of illicit drugs. In 2023, this figure rose slightly to 23 tonnes. However, in 2024, there was a significant drop to just seven tonnes, which he attributed to the NDLEA’s effective strategies in curbing the drug menace.
“The drug problem is a global and societal one. If you go by the 2018 United Nations Drug Survey, more than 14m Nigerians have either tasted drugs or are hooked on drugs. That is a very staggering figure. It shows that all hands must be on deck so that we can curb this menace in our society,” Wadar stated.
READ:https://naijanewswatch.com/petroleum-drivers-harassement/
He further elaborated on the seizure statistics, highlighting the substantial reduction in drug seizures as a testament to the agency’s hard work and effective policies. “If you look at what we did in 2022, about 21 tonnes of assorted drugs were seized in this particular command. In 2023, it was 23 tonnes, but by 2024, it has drastically gone down to about seven tonnes. You can see a decline in that. That means our effort is paying off,” he explained.
Wadar expressed his gratitude for SAHCO’s generous donation, emphasizing that the medical equipment would significantly enhance the NDLEA’s performance and relevance.
Mrs. Boma Ukwunna, Executive Director of Cargo Services at SAHCO, representing Managing Director Mrs. Adenike Aboderin, explained that the donation was part of the company’s commitment to fulfilling its Corporate Social Responsibility within the aviation industry.
Ukwunna acknowledged the devastating impact of drug abuse on society and commended the NDLEA for its proactive measures in controlling the flow of illicit drugs into and out of the country, noting that the agency’s efforts have contributed to a reduction in drug trafficking.
She emphasized that the donated items would assist the NDLEA command in providing timely care to suspects, staff, and other stakeholders within the industry. Ukwunna reiterated SAHCO’s commitment to supporting the NDLEA in its mission to combat drug abuse.
