APM Terminals Apapa moves against drug abuse, illicit trafficking

APM Terminals Apapa has affirmed commitment towards eradicating drug abuse and illegal trafficking of drugs in Nigeria.

The terminal, which sponsored this year’s International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking, highlighted the physical and psychological impact of substance abuse, drug overdose, deaths and drug-related humanitarian crises, with the aim of eliminating the menace.

The theme for this year’s event is ”Addressing Drug Challenges in Health and Humanitarian Crisis”.

APM Terminals collaborated with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Apapa Area Command, to kick off the event with a “Walk Against Drugs.”

The walk started from Apapa Wharf Gate through Point Road to Liverpool, terminating at the Apapa Local Government Secretariat and ended with a workshop.

Speaking at the event, Legal and Corporate Affairs General Manager at APM Terminals Nigeria, Chinenye Mirian Deinde, said the workshop was a collaborative and interactive event that had participants in the maritime industry and port community, especially as the sector is contributing to the illegal trafficking of drugs in the country.

She said other participants included secondary school students, members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), government enforcement agencies, community leaders and traditional rulers from the community as well as other port stakeholders, terminal operators.

Also, the Government Relations Manager at APM Terminals Apapa, Kayode Daniel said, “The fight against drug abuse is a collective one which requires the involvement of everyone not just enforcement agencies. We look forward to more collaboration with the NDLEA towards building a drug-free Nigeria.”

The guest lecturer at the event, a retired Deputy Commander General of Narcotics, Dr. Wale Ige, pointed at the prevailing dangerous habit in the society by the youths, while also highlighting the effects of drugs on underage and teenagers.

Ige enjoined all participants to play an active role in preventing the importation, sale, distribution and consumption of drugs.