The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency ( NDLEA) has assured its commitment to an integrated approach to drug control, encompassing prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and integration.
The chairman, NDLEA, Brig Gen Buba Marwa ( Rtd), stated this during the weekend at
the historic occasion of the official launch of Nigeria’s first women-only mental health and substance use rehabilitation centre in Abuja.
He stated that drug dependency is a health condition, not a moral failing, therefore, compassion and professionalism must guide its response.
Marwa, who was represented by the deputy director, Drug Demand Reduction, NDLEA, Muhammed Bashir Ibrahim, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting the private sector and civil societies led initiatives which align with the objectives of the National Drug Control Masterplan (NCMP).
According to him, partnerships such as this are critical in expanding access to quality care and reducing the stigma around mental health and substance use.
“As we commission this facility today, let us be reminded that the recovery is possible and that every woman deserves the chance to reclaim her life, her voice, and her dignity,” he said.
While lauding the establishment of the women only facility, Marwa said it is a landmark achievement in the agency’s response to the dual challenges of mental and substance use disorder, particularly among women.
He said, ” In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed a troubling rise in substance use, cutting across all segments of our population, including women.
” As the chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, I have witnessed firsthand, the silent and often invisible struggles of women battling addiction, many of whom are victims of stigma, gender-based violence and discrimination, trauma, social exclusion, fear of family separation, and lack of gender-responsive services, to name a few.
“These are systemic issues that require bold international response, like what we are witnessing here today.
“Therefore, the establishment of the centre sends a strong message that the challenges and needs of women suffering from substance use disorder and mental health can no longer be overlooked, marginalized, or undeserved.
” On behalf of the NDLEA, I applaud the vision and commitment of the ODIC Prime team for creating a safe and gender-sensitive and professionally-guided space where women can heal, recover, and reclaim their lives with dignity.
“This centre will not only provide clinical thoughts, but will also serve as a symbol of hope and possibility, showing that recovery is real and that transformation is possible.
“I must admit that your initiative is a bold and timely response to a long-standing gap in our health care and social support systems,” Marwa added.
Earlier in her opening remarks, the chairperson, Intersect Consortium, Ammuna Lawan Ali, noted that for decades, mental health and addiction treatment in Nigeria, like in many other countries in the world, has often failed to take into account, the unique social, psychological and cultural realities faced by women.
According to her, issues surrounding mental health and substance use among women have been shrouded in silence, stigma and neglect.
She said, ” Today marks not just the inauguration of a physical facility, but the beginning of a transformative movement.
“One that recognises, validates and prioritizes the mental and emotional well-being of the Nigerian women.”
She added that whether survivors of gender-based violence, victims of systemic inequality or individuals grappling with trauma and addiction, the centre provides a safe haven for them.
The chairperson described the mental health centre as a space where women are not just treated, but empowered. Not just stabilized, but supported on a path towards fullness and self-determination.
Also in his remarks, the founder/ chief executive officer, Intersect Consortium, Dr Vincent Udenze, said that the problem of mental health is a big issue in the country while the problem of addiction is even bigger, affecting women.
He said the centre is going to be an inpatient, where women get admitted for treatment of any illness, be it mental health problem, addiction, or other difficulties.
“This centre will be what we refer to as a mother and baby unit. Some women at the time of delivery will experience depression or even psychosis. When they become that unwell, it becomes a problem because they need admission, but the baby is still three weeks old.
“So, which hospital will admit them? So, in this facility, there is a mother and baby unit, which means we can admit the mother, the baby, and the nanny, and this will improve access to care for women,” he added.
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