Vanguard Mental Health Summit: Fight against drugs through trust, collaboration – NDLEA

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has urged for enhanced trust and cooperation among various parties involved in combating drug misuse and its association with mental health issues in Nigeria.

During the 3rd Mental Health Summit organized by Vanguard, which took place on Friday at the Civic Centre located in Victoria Island, Lagos, NDLEA representative Dr. Femi Babafemi, who spoke on behalf of the agency’s Chairman and Chief Executive, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd.), highlighted the agency's significant advancements in regulating drugs but stressed the importance of implementing more practical and collaborative approaches.

"NDLEA has achieved considerable progress in drug regulation. Therefore, we must reevaluate our strategies and pursue more effective solutions to tackle the issue of drug misuse," Marwa expressed.

The summit, which had the main theme "Taming the Tide of Suicide in Nigeria" and a sub-theme "Substance and Silence: Unmasking the Dual Crisis of Addiction and Suicide," assembled mental health professionals, advocates, and other stakeholders to enhance awareness concerning the increasing link between substance misuse and suicidal behavior.

Recent data indicates that suicide stands as the second highest cause of death among Nigerian individuals aged between 15 to 29 years, with more than 450,000 Nigerians needing mental health and psychosocial support each year due to trauma associated with suicide.

Marwa emphasized the importance of trust and community involvement as essential elements for maintaining advancement in drug regulation and prevention.

"The battle against drugs is rooted in rebuilding trust," he remarked.

He further noted that the NDLEA has undergone substantial changes to enhance its capabilities in drug regulation and public health initiatives, but insisted that achieving success requires a collaborative effort.

"The NDLEA cannot function independently; we depend on partnerships to address mental health challenges," asserted Marwa.

"As we move into the next stage of our reform, we plan to enhance our community policing initiatives in the coming months by placing NDLEA Community Liaison Officers in each local government area. These officers will collaborate with local entities and stakeholders.

"One of our key community projects is the Alternative Development Programme, which focuses on communities involved in cannabis cultivation throughout the nation. This initiative will soon be piloted in Ondo State.

"The Alternative Development Programme demands a commitment to ethical practices and the creation of transformative policies and humanitarian actions aimed at alleviating drug-related issues and addressing the challenges of the drug war both in Nigeria and globally.

He additionally envisioned a Nigeria where the NDLEA is perceived not as an entity to be feared, but rather as a reliable partner within communities.

"A Nigeria where the NDLEA is viewed as a trusted ally, an integral part of every community. We need each other — the NDLEA, Ministry of Health, media, and the private sector — all of us together. As we advance, it is crucial that our meetings evolve beyond annual discussions; we must act decisively," he concluded.