By Mohammed Dala Lawan
The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has raised serious concerns over the rising rate of drug and substance abuse among Nigerian youths, describing it as a scourge that has deeply penetrated the fabric of society.
The National Coordinator of the group, Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, stated this during a one-day public lecture on the Fight Against Drug Abuse in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital,
as part of a national and patriotic assignment aimed at reshaping the character and values of young Nigerians.
Charanchi emphasised that campuses must serve as grooming grounds for future policymakers, security agents, and national leaders, warning that allowing drug abuse to thrive in such environments would produce leaders incapable of moving the country forward.
He described the situation as unfortunate, citing statistics that indicate over 50 per cent of Nigerian students are involved in drug use.
The National Coordinator, also referenced recent enforcement efforts by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), including the seizure of millions of tramadol pills in Kano State.
According to him, the menace has evolved from drug abuse to broader substance abuse, with new harmful substances constantly emerging.
The National Coordinator lamented that not only students, but men, women, and even married couples have become entangled in the crisis.
Charanchi further accused some politicians of fueling the problem by allegedly using drugs as political tools to manipulate youths for violent or disruptive activities.
He urged students not to allow themselves to be divided along religious or ethnic lines, stressing that unity and shared humanity must prevail over division.
Meanwhile, the Yobe State Government says it has taken concrete steps to combat drug abuse among youths.
The State Commissioner of Justice and Chairman of the Committee on the Control of Drug Abuse, Barrister Saleh Samanja, disclosed that a committee has already been constituted to address the growing menace..
He revealed that the state government has drafted a bill to establish a dedicated agency that will squarely tackle drug abuse in Yobe State.
The bill has been forwarded to the Yobe State House of Assembly and has successfully passed first and second readings. It is currently at the committee stage.
A public hearing on the bill is scheduled to be held on the 8th or 9th of March, after which the Assembly is expected to pass it into law.
According to the Commissioner, once the new agency becomes operational, the government will establish a more robust and well-equipped rehabilitation centre to address drug abuse, particularly among youths in Yobe State.
He added that the combined efforts of civic groups and government authorities signal renewed determination to curb drug abuse and restore moral values among young people in Northern Nigeria.
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