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Effect of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Strategies on Reduction of Drug Abuse Among Youths
Chapter One
Introduction
1.1 Background to the Study
Drug abuse, also called substance abuse
or chemical abuse, is a disorder that is characterized by a destructive
consequence of using illicit substance, which leads to significant problems or
mental distress. Youths in Fagge and Kura local government areas of Kano state
are increasingly engaging in drug abuse, particularly psychotropic substance
(which are chemical substance that acts primarily upon the central nervous
system where it alters the function, resulting in temporary changes in
perception, mood, consciousness and behavior.), and stimulant medications,
which treat conditions like attention deficit disorder and uncontrollable
attack of deep sleep. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), drug
abuse is defined as “a state of psychic or physical dependence or both on a
drug, following administration of the drug on a periodic or continuous basis.”
The United Nations reported that around 185 million people globally over the
age of 15 were consuming drugs by the end of the 20th century. Youths are the
most vulnerable and deeply involved group in the social menace of drugs abuse.
The menace of drugs abuse in Nigeria has reached a frightening proportion and
recent directive by the Ministry of Health, banning the sales of Codeine
containing cough syrups without prescription across the country is, no doubt, a
sad reflection of the alarming state of drug addiction, especially among the
youths. According to the Ministry of Health, the directive became necessary due
to the gross abuse. Drug abuse has eaten deep into the fabrics of the Nigerian
society and its prevalence has put the lives of Nigerian youths on the line.
Expected to be the future leaders of tomorrow, youths in Nigeria have sadly
engaged in such illicit behavior. Kano, the most populous state in Nigeria, is
hit by the prevalence of drug abuse that elicits various forms of crimes which
put the lives of the youth and others in danger. Drug abuse in Northern
Nigeria's most populous city has been on the rise in recent years, with anti-
narcotics officials and experts
warning of serious social consequences if the problem is not tackled. Kano has
the country's highest drug abuse rate based on the number of seizures, arrests
of addicts and convictions of arrested dealers, according to the report of
National Drug Law Enforcement Agency in 2017 Drug abuse and other associated
problems constitute a major threat to the survival and effective functioning of
human societies. It is a major public health problem all over the world as it
use and abuse by youths have become one of the most disturbing health related
phenomena in Nigeria and other parts of the world (UNODC, 2005). The abuse of
drugs by youths has become embarrassing phenomenon to parents, government
authorities and the state at large. The Federal Road Safety Corps, (FRSC) in
2015 raised an alarm on the abuse of many brands of medicine by youthful
drivers in their bids to become intoxicated or “high”, while driving. This
incidence of drug abuse by drivers has led to many road mishaps with its
attendant casualties (FRSC Report, 2015). The current trend of indiscipline
among Nigerian youths has become so rampant that successive governments have
sought for ways of combating its problems as a result of this unwholesome
trend, school Boards, University Communities and Non-governmental Organization
(NGOS) such as Youth Clubs, Philanthropic Organizations, Federal and State
Governments and their Parastatals, particularly the National Drug Law
Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have organized programmes to create awareness about
the dangers of drugs abuse. NDLEA had used various approaches such as the
public enlightenment strategy, treatment and rehabilitation strategy among others
to combat this menace. Public enlightenment campaign is the utilization of
various strategies for the accomplishment of a particular objective. The
objective of public enlightenment campaign is to provide persuasive influence
through communication provided on the dangers of drug abuse. NGO Liaison
strategy is a collaborative effort with NDLEA and non-governmental organization
involved in the crusade against drug abuse.In Kano state, Non-governmental
organization such as Youth awareness forum against drug addiction, Society for
family health and other NGOs have been partnering with NDLEA in areas of public
enlightenment, and providing after care services to drug abuse victims in order
to reduce the incidence of drug abuse. Very disturbingly among the challenges
facing the youth today, drug abuse features prominently in trapping large
numbers of youth in Nigeria, (Radda, 2006). The youths of every nation are the
vehicles through which positive changes can be realized. This is why countries
must invest on the future development of its youths. Governments, parents, and
guardians devote a lot of time and resources in order to explore and harness
the potentials of youths. Societies that neglect the youth development may
negatively affect future national development. Youth when neglected, can find
escape and solace in such things as drug abuse, pick-pocketing, loitering,
rape, auto-theft, truancy, delinquent or criminal act and insurgency, (Radda,
2009). The hope and aspiration of any society lie on the calibre of youth in
that society However, Uthaymeen (2002) argued that if we take an examining look
at the youth, in Nigeria, we will be able to conclude that youths generally are
of categories; the upright youth, the corrupt youth and the confused youth.
Although many researchers have established the existence of strong relationship
between drug abuse and crime, its connections to violent behavior and other
social vices too have been established (Omeiza, 2010). The National Drug Law
Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) report of 2010 also showed that over 11% of people
in the North-West zone abuse drugs. The cycle of drug abuse have continued to
increase in scope, intensity and sophistication despite several efforts by the
government and over two decades of suppression and prevention efforts by the
National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) created in 1989.
NB: The Complete Thesis is well written and ready to use.
