NCS Backs Multi-Agency Drive Against Drug Abuse in Kwara
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kwara Area Command, has reaffirmed its commitment to combating drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking through stronger collaboration with stakeholders, as it joined other security agencies and development partners at a conference on substance abuse prevention in Ilorin.
The stakeholders’ conference, held at the Kwara State Innovation Hub, GRA Ilorin, was themed “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges and Innovative Responses.” It was organised by the MTN Foundation Nigeria under its Anti-Substance Abuse Programme in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Kwara State Governor on Drug Abuse Prevention and Control, and the Kwara State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Representing a broad coalition of stakeholders, the Nigeria Customs Service, Kwara Area Command, joined other law enforcement and security agencies in deliberating on practical solutions to tackle the growing menace of substance abuse, particularly among young people.
Dignitaries at the event included the representative of the First Lady of Kwara State and Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Maryam Iya Imam; the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Drug Abuse Prevention and Control, Mr Mukail Aileru; senior executives of MTN Nigeria; and other government officials.
Security agencies represented at the conference included the Nigeria Customs Service, NDLEA, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Nigerian Correctional Service.
Participants also comprised teachers, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, pupils and students from primary and secondary schools across the state.
The conference focused on promoting collaborative efforts and inclusive strategies to address the illegal use of narcotic substances. Discussions gained momentum through a series of keynote presentations highlighting strategic measures to curb drug trafficking and innovative approaches to addressing a crisis that continues to threaten Nigeria’s social and economic development.
Speakers at the event stressed that tackling substance abuse is a shared responsibility, urging parents to take the lead in prevention efforts while emphasising the crucial roles of teachers, religious leaders and traditional rulers in shaping positive values among young people.
According to the organisers, sustained partnerships among security agencies, government institutions, community leaders and private sector organisations remain critical to winning the fight against drug abuse and trafficking.
The MTN Foundation noted that its Anti-Substance Abuse Programme has been running since 2019, providing training and awareness programmes for teachers, schoolchildren and NYSC members across Nigeria.
“The initiative has been active since 2019, training teachers, schoolchildren and NYSC members across the country, and we remain committed to continuing our advocacy and capacity-building efforts,” representatives of the foundation stated during the conference.
The event ended with a group photograph and networking session among participants, reinforcing the collective resolve of stakeholders, including the Nigeria Customs Service, to strengthen preventive measures and safeguard communities against the dangers of substance abuse.
