…Speaker says drug abuse fuels insecurity, poverty and domestic violence
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has called for tougher action against drug dealers, saying Nigeria must punish those who profit from illicit drugs while providing treatment and support for people struggling with addiction.
Abbas said drug abuse had become a serious threat to society, affecting families, communities and the country’s security.
“We must punish those who profit from drugs. We must also treat those who have become trapped by them. The dealer needs the law. The dependent person needs care,” he said.
The Speaker spoke on Saturday at the conclusion of a three-day sensitisation programme on drug abuse and domestic violence in Kaduna.
The programme was organised as part of his constituency outreach in collaboration with the National Orientation Agency (NOA).
Abbas urged Nigerians to play active roles in preventing drug abuse and tackling domestic violence, stressing that the responsibility should not be left solely to government agencies.
“Parents must watch for sudden changes in conduct. Schools must provide counselling and report warning signs. Pharmacists and medicine vendors must reject the unlawful sale of controlled substances,” he said.
He also called on traditional and religious leaders to speak openly against addiction and domestic violence, while urging neighbours, market associations and transport unions to report suspicious drug activities and cases of abuse.
The Speaker advised victims of domestic violence to seek safety, obtain medical attention, preserve evidence and report incidents to the appropriate authorities.
“Communities must protect them, not punish them with blame or shame,” he said.
Abbas recalled that the first edition of the sensitisation programme held in February 2025 had led to a four-month campaign across the North-West.
According to him, the campaign was designed to take the message beyond conference halls and directly engage traditional rulers, religious leaders, teachers, parents, young people and community organisations.
He said the latest programme demonstrated that the commitment had been sustained, noting that NOA had taken the campaign into streets and communities across Kaduna.
The Speaker said NOA officials were engaging market leaders, transport workers, youth groups and traditional institutions because “prevention begins with proper information.”
Abbas commended the Director-General of NOA, Lanre Issa Onilu, and his team for their efforts. He also praised the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Immigration Service, Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigerian Correctional Service, National Youth Service Corps and relevant state agencies for their contributions.
He warned that the consequences of drug abuse extend beyond individual users and their families, with drug trafficking also contributing to wider security challenges.
“Drugs can impair judgement, increase aggression, and deepen poverty. But drugs never excuse violence. Every person remains responsible for his or her actions,” Abbas said.
He condemned domestic violence, saying it should not be justified as discipline or culture.
“Domestic violence is not discipline or culture. It is abuse. It harms the victim, frightens children, and weakens the community,” he said.
According to him, drug trafficking provides criminal networks with money and can facilitate the movement of weapons, illicit funds and violent offenders.
“Drugs do not explain every crime, but they are part of Nigeria’s wider security challenge,” he added.
Abbas linked drug control to the fight against banditry and kidnapping, particularly in the North-West, saying security operations must be complemented by efforts to disrupt criminal supply networks.
“Security forces may clear the camps. Communities must help cut the supply lines,” he said.
He summarised the approach as: “Enforcement stops the shipm