By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The Federal Ministry of Youth Development has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other stakeholders to combat drug abuse and substance misuse among Nigerian youths.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Maryam Ismaila Keshinro, stated this on Thursday when a delegation from the NDLEA visited the Ministry in Abuja to explore areas of collaboration in addressing drug abuse and its effects on young Nigerians.
Keshinro commended the NDLEA for its commitment to partnering with the Ministry, stressing that the fight against drug abuse requires concerted efforts by government institutions and other relevant stakeholders.
She expressed optimism over increasing collaboration among government agencies, particularly initiatives focused on educating and sensitising young people on the dangers of drug abuse and substance misuse.
“There is so much to do with your proposed programme, and the Ministry is looking for a way to join in the fight against this menace,” she said.
The Permanent Secretary called for stronger inter-agency cooperation, including measures to prevent drug abuse and ensure that young people entering the public service are adequately screened and sensitized to the dangers of substance abuse.
She also disclosed that the Ministry would welcome the participation of the NDLEA in its planned Youth Confabs scheduled for October 2026, where young Nigerians will be educated on the dangers of drug abuse and encouraged to make healthy and responsible choices.
Speaking on behalf of the NDLEA delegation, the Assistant Commander General of Narcotics (ACGN) and Director, Counselling, Treatment and Rehabilitation, Muhammed Bashir Ibrahim, conveyed the greetings of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.).
Ibrahim said the Agency remained committed to strengthening partnerships with relevant stakeholders to address the growing challenge of drug abuse among young Nigerians.
He noted that the fight against drug abuse required a coordinated and sustained approach involving government institutions and other stakeholders, particularly given the vulnerability of young people to substance abuse.
According to him, stronger collaboration between the NDLEA and the Ministry would provide a platform for prevention, awareness creation, counselling, treatment and rehabilitation, while empowering young Nigerians to make healthy and productive choices.
Also speaking, the Director, Youth Mental Health and Psychosocial Department, Mr. Emmanuel Essein, stressed the need for greater attention to the mental and emotional well-being of young people.
Essein noted that addressing mental health challenges was essential to building a healthy, productive and resilient youth population.
