The speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Tajudeen Abbas yesterday in Kaduna flagged off the North West zone sensitisation campaign against drug abuse and domestic violence.
In his speech shortly before performing the flag-off, the speaker averred that recent data from various Nigerian government agencies had underscored the urgency of drug-related issues and the need to address them holistically.
The speaker who represents Zaria federal constituency in Kaduna State noted that the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has reported a 25 per cent rise in drug abuse in the Northwest over the past three years, adding that in Kaduna State alone, NDLEA statistics indicate a 28 per cent increase in drug seizures in 2023 compared to the previous year, while similar troubling trends have been observed in Katsina, Kano, Sokoto, Zamfara, Jigawa, and Kebbi.
He lamented that in those states, law enforcement agencies are contending with a surge in the availability and consumption of illicit substances, which threatens public safety and undermines socioeconomic stability.
Equally worrisome the.speaker noted is the scourge of domestic violence that continues to ravage families and communities across our nation, particularly in the North West region, adding that “Data from the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey and reports from the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development reveal that nearly 35 per cent of women nationwide have experienced some form of domestic violence.”
“In the Northwest, the situation is even more alarming; for instance, recent figures from Kano suggest that up to 40 per cent of women have encountered domestic abuse, while Kaduna, Katsina, and Sokoto have recorded significant increases in reported cases over the past year. These figures are a stark reminder that domestic violence not only violates human rights but also inflicts lasting physical, emotional, and psychological trauma that weakens the social fabric of our communities.
“In addressing these twin challenges, I must acknowledge the commendable and targeted interventions by the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. On the national stage, the government has significantly bolstered the capacity of the NDLEA by increasing funding, providing modern tools and enhanced training, and launching initiatives that expand rehabilitation centres and community-based outreach programmes. These measures have disrupted drug trafficking networks and provided essential support to those affected by substance abuse,” he said.
On the issue of domestic violence, he disclosed that the government has introduced robust legal reforms and reinforced policies through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development. Such efforts he said, include establishing safe houses, counselling services, and comprehensive public awareness campaigns that aim to protect victims and promote cultural change toward zero tolerance of abuse.
In the Northwest sub-region, these national efforts are being effectively complemented by region-specific interventions. State governments in Kaduna, Katsina, Kano, Sokoto, Zamfara, Jigawa, and Kebbi have increased collaboration with federal agencies. For example, he stated that Kaduna State has reported a significant improvement in community safety due to the enhanced presence of specialised law enforcement units and targeted drug interdiction operations.
Similarly, he noted that local governments in Kano and Katsina are actively supporting anti-domestic violence initiatives through partnerships with non-governmental organisations and community leaders, thereby extending vital protective services to the most vulnerable members of society.
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