Nigerian Senate debates on bill to rehabilitate drug abuse

The bill aimed at establishing a national institute for drug abuse awareness and rehabilitation narrowly passed second reading in the Senate on 16 October, 2024.

Lawmakers raised concerns that the proposed legislation might conflict with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The bill Sponsored by Senator Rafiu Hanga representing Kano Central, explained the alarming rates of drug abuse in country.
While many senators backed the initiative, Senator Adams Oshiomhole from Edo North, argued that it contradicts the Stephen Oronsaye report advocating for reduced government agency expenditures.

Oshiomhole stressed that creating a new institution would intersect with the NDLEA’s functions.

However, the senators suggested that the bill’s goals will only be met if drug abuse is been treated as a capital offence in the country.

There was also a proposal to require drug tests for political candidates earlier before now but this suggestion was quickly dismissed by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin.

He presided over the plenary
Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP-Bayelsa) emphasized the urgency of addressing the national narcotics crisis also urging lawmakers not to dismiss the bill.

He further proposed the strengthening enforcement mechanisms and revisiting the bill in committee with input from stakeholders and including the NDLEA and the Ministry of Justice.

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin subsequently referred the bill to the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics for further consideration, to report back in four weeks.

Lawmakers sponsor drug addiction — Senator

In another development, Kano Senator, Sumaila Kawu (New Nigeria Peoples Party, Kano South), has accused politicians, particularly lawmakers, of being at the forefront of encouraging the youth to go in with drug abuse.

Kawu claimed that politicians not only procure drugs for young people but also encourage them to consume hard substances to carry out illegal activities in the name of politics and other wise.

Sumaila made the remarks while contributing to a debate on “A Bill for an Act to Establish the National Institute for Drug Awareness and Rehabilitation, to Coordinate and Promote Drug Awareness, Prevent Substance Abuse, and Facilitate the Rehabilitation of Drug Users and for Related Matters”.

The bill, sponsored by Sen. Rufa’i Hanga (NNPP, Kano-Central), was debated on the general principles and passed for second reading on Tuesday 2024.

Notwithstanding Kawu said politicians store drugs in their homes and fund channels for regular supplies, especially during election periods.

He alleged that many of his colleagues possess hard drugs, which they keep in their constituency offices and homes today.

“As I am speaking now, most of our offices in our constituencies, most of our political offices, most of our houses, when you go there, you will find that there is a mountain of drugs, and there are drug dealers in our offices and houses — all in our houses,” Kawu said.

Kawu also stated that he is aware of senior politicians who support drug dealers in their illegal trade.

In addition of his statement, “I can take you to some of the political leaders who are, in many ways, contributing to drug abuser in Nigeria.

“Therefore, Mr. President, we need to be serious. If we are moving the motion, we need to understand—we are all one here.

“We need to fight it from our own side first before others. Let us take the test and see who is not involved,” he added.

He then challenged his colleagues, saying: “How many of us here can swear with the Quran or the Bible that they are not supporting drug-related activities in their communities? How many of us?”

Drug test to be conducted on politicians

The senator also recommended that drug tests should be conducted for politicians before they contest elections or assume any political office.

Mr President, whether we are allowing this bill to create a new agency or we are strengthening the NDLEA.

We need to create a situation where, before contesting elections or taking a position in government, you must undergo a drug test.

Kawu emphasised that the country will not achieve the objectives of the bill unless the upper chamber collaborates with relevant stakeholders to combat drug abuse.

“Mr. President, there is one aspect we need to look into.

“Whether we create this agency or strengthen the activities of the NDLEA, we, as politicians and leaders in this country, we have a lot to do in the country,” he added.

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