NDLEA to educate 140 million on drugs

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency says it is set to provide drug education to over 140 million active telephone subscribers, as well as internet users.

The agency said the move was part of its Multi-Media Drug Control Initiative, which was meant to educate and provide help to victims of drug abuse.

The Chairman of the agency, Ahmadu Giade, said this in a statement on Tuesday, noting that the initiative would lead to a reduction in the demand for narcotics.

The statement said, “The agency is perfecting strategies to provide quality anti-drug abuse education to Nigerians. The NDLEA is targeting over 140 million active telephone subscribers as well as internet users for online sensitisation.

“The move is aimed at enhancing the drug demand reduction function of the anti-narcotics body, thereby striking a balance between drug law enforcement and drug demand reduction.”

It stated that the agency had provided other social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram to enhance anti-narcotics campaign.

“The NDLEA is committed to public enlightenment, counselling, treatment and rehabilitation programmes. We have introduced Multi-Media Drug Control Initiative to educate and provide help to victims of drug abuse. These include various online counselling platforms like Twitter – @ndlea_nigeria, Instagram – @ndlea_nigeria. They are online information desks where people can ask questions and seek help on any issue relating to substance use,” it said.

The statement further urged the public to take advantage of the initiative and avail the agency with information on drugs through its toll-free lines – 080000NDLEA, 08000063532.

“The initiative was developed based on emerging global trend in drug abuse and illicit trafficking and the desire to reach out to a large number of youths through the social media.

“Its objectives also include provision of factual information about the consequences of drug abuse and illicit trafficking, increased access to professional drug counselling services and eliminating distance barrier to accessing help for drug use.

“Others include encouraging drug users to seek help from NDLEA counselling centres nationwide without fear of arrest or detention and to provide referral services on complex cases,” it added.