APM Terminals Apapa in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has championed advocacy against trafficking of illicit drugs in line with efforts to achieve drug free society.
They celebrated the 2024 International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking with a lecture themed ‘The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention,’ as part of a weeklong celebration that included a Walk against Drugs.
Felix Ugwuagbo, manager of Health, Safety, and Environment for APM Terminals Apapa, said the terminal operator partnered with NDLEA to create awareness of the negative effects of illicit drugs on society.
“At APM Terminals, we have a strict policy against the use of illicit drugs because it can endanger safe operations. This is a great opportunity to educate the Apapa community and other stakeholders about the negative impact of illicit drug use.
“To battle this scourge, there is a need for evidence-based policies rooted in science, human rights, compassion, and knowledge,” he said.
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Uguwagbo added that only through collaboration and prioritising prevention and treatment can society fight drug abuse and help people live happy, healthy lives.
Udotong Noah Essien, NDLEA Commander, Apapa Special Area Command, described drug trafficking and abuse as avenues to crime, waste of human lives and properties, and depletion of a nation’s productive workforce.
“It is important we tackle drug abuse through awareness and public education. The NDLEA launched the War against Drug Trafficking (WADA) to combat drug abuse in the country,” Essien said.
Babatunde Olomu, Customs Area Controller of Apapa Area Command of Nigeria Customs Service, appealed to stakeholders to support the NDLEA in achieving a drug-free society.
While delivering a lecture, Florence Ezeonye, NDLEA Assistant Commander General of Narcotics, said there is a need to invest in sensitisation programmes against drug abuse because it has become a major problem to society.
She called for the development of a drug education curriculum for primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions in the country.
The International World Drug Day is marked on 26 June every year to strengthen action and cooperation in achieving a world free of drug abuse.
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