Sadiya Farouq, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, has urged stakeholders to tackle illicit drug supply and humanitarian conflicts in the country.

“It should not be left to the government, individuals and rehabs alone, but should be a collective responsibility with everyone playing their role,” she said.

Ms Farouq spoke at the awareness campaign against drugs and substance abuse and illicit trafficking on Wednesday in Abuja.

The event with the theme:” Addressing Drug Challenges in Health and Humanitarian Crises” was organised by the ministry to sensitise youths, other stakeholders, and vulnerable groups on drug and substance abuse.

The minister, represented by Chogudo Aliyu, a deputy director in the ministry, said that in national development, there was a need to put more efforts into addressing drug and substance abuse among the youths.

“Most times, drug abuse affects more than just the person getting high; it is detrimental to their relationships with friends, family members and co-workers.

“Drug abuse has reached an unprecedented level in our nation today, and its dire consequences are around us. It has destroyed thousands of young people’s lives,” she said.

Therefore, Ms Farouq called on all stakeholders to take meaningful steps in minimising conflict and protecting people, including strengthening drug use prevention, treatment and tackling illicit supply.

Similarly, the permanent secretary of the ministry, Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, represented by Peter Audu, the deputy director in the ministry, said the government was committed to addressing drug addiction.

Mr Sani-Gwarzo said the event’s objective was apt as it would help ameliorate the challenges of youths.

According to him, this is by using fact-based information to raise awareness of the potential harm from the non-medical use of illicit drugs.

Officials from Ministries of Women Affairs and Health, NAPTIP, NDLEA, NAFDAC, NYSC, some security schools and many others were in attendance. 

(NAN)