I’m Not Surprised Lagos Is Ranked Epicentre Of Drug Abuse- Speaker

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has said the lawmakers will continue to support the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency in the fight against drug abuse.

The Speaker, according to a statement on Friday, made the promise when the Commander of the NDLEA in the state, Mr. Ralph Igwenagu, led officials of the agency to Obasa on a visit.

The Speaker expressed hope that a collective fight against the societal challenge would help to further sustain a safe and well-protected Lagos.

He said he was not surprised that Lagos has been described as one of the epicentres of drug abuse in the country, saying with the influx of people from other states, it should be expected.

“I am not surprised that Lagos has been rated number one. Lagos has become an abode for everybody – the good and the bad – and this has become a challenge to the government.

“That is why it is difficult for the Lagos Government to project. When you project for a certain number of people this year, before you know it, more than three times your projection will enter the state.

“That is why we make efforts to support the Federal Government by equipping the Rapid Response Squad. We also set up the Security Trust Fund, the Neighbourhood Safety Corps, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority and others to ensure that lives and property are protected,”

The Speaker added that the collaboration of stakeholders was important because the negative effects of drug abuse affect everybody directly or indirectly.

He said some of those involved in drug abuse also engage in criminal activities, saying crime would reduce if the problem of drug abuse could be tackled.

The Speaker commended the NDLEA officials for attending a recent stakeholders’ meeting organised by the House to enlighten residents against drug abuse.

Earlier, Igwenagu thanked the House for organising the Stakeholders’ meeting saying it helped in reaching the grassroots of the state.

“We want to request that you sustain that exercise. We know that with you, it is possible because members of the House of Assembly are grassroots politicians and can reach out to the youths.”

He said Lagos has a fair share of the challenges of drug abuse in Nigeria, promising that the NDLEA would continue to work with the House to ensure continuous reduction in cases of drug abuse.