The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, Senator Joseph Ikpea, has said the committee will prioritise stricter oversight of rehabilitation centres nationwide and push for drug abuse education to be introduced into school curricula as part of efforts to tackle substance abuse among Nigerian youths.
Speaking with journalists after the committee’s inaugural meeting at the National Assembly, Ikpea said members had begun outlining their oversight agenda, with inspections of rehabilitation facilities high on the list of priorities.
According to him, the committee will ensure rehabilitation centres comply with regulatory standards and provide quality treatment for people battling drug addiction.
“We are planning to visit rehabilitation centres to ensure they meet the required standards.
“You cannot just establish a rehabilitation centre without complying with the necessary regulations. We want to ensure they are operating properly and delivering quality services,” he said.
The senator expressed concern over the increasing rate of drug abuse in Nigeria, citing statistics that show about 14 million Nigerians between the ages of 15 and 64 abuse drugs.
He warned that the trend poses a serious threat to the country’s future, stressing that prevention through education remains one of the most effective ways to curb substance abuse.
“The youth are the leaders of tomorrow. If we fail to educate and sensitise them about the dangers of drug abuse, the nation’s future will be at risk. We are looking at introducing drug education into school curricula from the primary school level so children understand the consequences from an early age,” he said.
On the proposed bill seeking the death penalty for drug-related offences, Ikpea said the Senate Committee would first review the legislation before making recommendations to the Senate and the Federal Government.
He explained that he was not a member of the Senate when the bill was previously debated and therefore could not comment on its current status.
“My committee will look at it and advise accordingly. Until then, I cannot say much about it,” he stated.
The lawmaker noted that while different countries adopt different penalties for drug trafficking, any punishment should be proportionate to the offence committed, adding that he would abide by whatever decision the National Assembly eventually reaches.
Ikpea also restated his opposition to the rehabilitation and reintegration of repentant Boko Haram members, insisting that terrorists responsible for killing innocent Nigerians and security personnel should face the full weight of the law.
He further suggested that some recent kidnapping incidents could have political undertones as the country moves closer to another election cycle, while describing Boko Haram and ISWAP as enemies of the Nigerian state who must be decisively confronted.
