Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Buba Marwa, on Saturday decried the pervasive abuse of (cannabis) substance in the country, revealing that about 10.6 million Nigerians are actively abusing the substance.
Marwa, disclosed this at the launch of War Against Drug Abuse in commemoration of the United Nations International Day against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking at the State House conference centre in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
The NDLEA Chief, also revealed that Nigeria is the highest user of cannabis globally.
He lamented that the increasing trend of drug abuse in the country is worrisome, saying that it has become an enabler of insecurity and a catalyst for terrorism.
Marwa, since the inception of his administration, has constantly campaigned against the abuse of drugs in Nigeria. Earlier on Monday, he stressed that he is opposed to demands for the legalisation of cannabis in Nigeria.
He explained that the nation cannot afford to mortgage the lives of the citizens for financial gains by legalising cannabis.
The NDLEA has so far under his administration seized N90 million worth of drugs as the agency has called for partnership particularly with the establishment of a Special purpose committee, to win the war against drug abuse.
President Muhammadu Buhari was represented at the event by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha.
Members of the National Assembly, including other top government functionaries, also attended the event.
