Retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, the chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), says the porousness of West African borders contributes to the trafficking of illicit drugs in the region.

Mr Marwa said this in an address on Tuesday in Abuja during a media conference to commemorate the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

Every June 26 is set aside to commemorate the day, and the theme for 2024 is: “Evidence is Clear, Invest in Prevention”.

Mr Marwa was represented by Chigbu Chilee, Deputy Commander of Narcotics and the Assistant Director, Drug Demand Reduction Directorate.

“In West Africa, and specifically in Nigeria, drug trafficking and abuse are often seen as complex issues with deep-rooted social and economic factors.

“For example, poverty, unemployment, and a lack of educational opportunities contribute to the vulnerability of individuals to drug trafficking and abuse.

“Furthermore, the region’s porous borders and proximity to major drug trafficking routes make it a vulnerable transit point for illicit substances,” Mr Marwa said.

The NDLEA boss, however, said that the evidence was overwhelming that these activities have devastating consequences for individuals, communities, and societies.

According to him, investing in prevention is crucial to address the complex challenges of drug trafficking and abuse.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, while quoting the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, said the prevalence of drug use in Nigeria was 14.4 per cent.