The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Ekiti State has recorded impressive figures in the fight against drug trafficking and abuse, experts argue that beyond arrests and convictions, tackling the root causes of drug addiction is key to long-term success.
The agency’s recent report revealed that 284 suspects were arrested over the past year, with 57 convicted drug dealers now serving jail terms.
Additionally, 163 drug users were counseled and, in some cases, referred for rehabilitation. The NDLEA also destroyed over 192 tons of cannabis sativa planted across farmlands spanning more than 76 hectares.
However, despite these efforts, drug abuse remains a persistent challenge in Ekiti State and across Nigeria. Experts believe that a more holistic approach, focusing on rehabilitation, economic empowerment, education, and community support is essential to addressing the deeper issues that fuel drug abuse.
Why Do People Turn to Drugs?
Experts point to several underlying factors that drive drug abuse in Ekiti State, including:
1. Unemployment and economic hardship – Many young people, lacking opportunities for stable employment, turn to drug use or trafficking as a means of survival.
2. Lack of rehabilitation centers – The NDLEA Commander, Sunday Aina, highlighted the urgent need for a rehabilitation center in the state to support addicts who wish to recover.
3. Peer pressure and social influence – Many young people get introduced to drugs through peer groups, often without understanding the long-term consequences.
4. Mental health issues – Depression, anxiety, and trauma push individuals toward substance abuse as a form of escape.
5. Weak parental and community support – A lack of proper guidance from families and communities can leave young people vulnerable to drug-related influences.
A Holistic Solution: Beyond Law Enforcement
While law enforcement plays a critical role, tackling drug abuse at its roots requires a multi-pronged strategy:
1. Building a rehabilitation center
A dedicated rehabilitation facility will offer professional treatment and counseling for drug users, helping them reintegrate into society.
This center should be accessible, well-funded, and equipped with trained personnel to handle addiction cases effectively.
2. Economic empowerment and job creation
Government and private organizations should provide vocational training, skills acquisition programs, and small business grants to give young people alternatives to drug-related activities.
Special programs should be designed for ex-drug users to help them rebuild their lives.
3. Stronger educational and awareness campaigns
NDLEA’s 57 sensitization campaigns in 2024 are a step in the right direction, but more sustained efforts are needed.
Schools should include drug education in their curriculum, teaching students about the dangers of substance abuse from an early age.
Community-led initiatives, such as town hall meetings and religious group discussions, can reinforce these messages.
4. Improving mental health services
Many drug users suffer from mental health conditions but lack access to professional help.
The government should invest in mental health clinics, ensure access to counseling services, and reduce the stigma around seeking psychological support.
5. Strengthening family and community support
Families should be encouraged to communicate openly about drug-related issues and provide emotional support to struggling members.
Community leaders, religious institutions, and local NGOs must collaborate with NDLEA to ensure that at-risk individuals receive proper guidance and help.
The Way Forward
While NDLEA’s efforts in arresting drug traffickers and destroying illegal plantations are commendable, law enforcement alone cannot solve the problem. Without addressing the social, economic, and psychological factors that lead people to drug abuse, the cycle will continue.
Stakeholders; including the government, private sector, civil society, and local communities: must work together to create a comprehensive approach that combines law enforcement with prevention, rehabilitation, and economic opportunities.
Only then can Ekiti State and Nigeria as a whole break free from the grip of drug abuse and its devastating consequences.
