Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd), has called for a comprehensive and united approach to combating the rising scourge of drug abuse in Nigeria, emphasising the vital role of pharmacists in driving national drug control strategies.

Speaking at a recent gathering of health stakeholders, Marwa highlighted the devastating ripple effects of substance abuse on Nigerian families and communities. “Behind every drug user is a family in distress,” he stated, stressing that addressing the crisis requires more than enforcement; it demands an integrated public health response.

He underscored the centrality of mental health to human development, describing it as a state of well-being that enables individuals to realize their potential and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Marwa urged for a broader understanding of mental health beyond the absence of illness and advocated for policies that prioritize community-based mental wellness initiatives.

Commending the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) for its ongoing reforms in the retail drug sector, Marwa praised the recent passage of the Pharmacists Council Bill Act 2023. He described the legislation as a crucial step toward sanitizing the drug distribution system and eliminating the illicit sale of prescription medications.

“Pharmacists are at a strategic intersection of public health and drug control. Their collaboration is indispensable,” he said.

Echoing this sentiment, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, emphasised the importance of integrating mental health care into Nigeria’s primary healthcare framework.

“We live in a time where mental health is increasingly becoming a matter of public concern,” Obasa said.
He cited the Lagos State Mental Health Law of 2018 as a landmark step toward ensuring universal access to mental healthcare and protecting patients’ rights.

Obasa also urged pharmacists to help identify and eliminate counterfeit drugs, pledging continued legislative support for the efforts of the Board of Fellows of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (BOF-PSN) in addressing these public health threats.

BOF-PSN National Chairman, Pharm. Uchenna Uzoma Apakama, pledged his leadership’s commitment to taking drug abuse awareness campaigns to every corner of the country.

“We will work tirelessly to ensure that Nigerians, especially our youth, are educated on the dangers of substance misuse,” he stated.