The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Abia State is urging residents to adopt the use of Urine Drug Test Kits as an effective strategy to reduce drug demand and prevent substance abuse.
During a recent address in Aba, Adelanwa Adetunji, the NDLEA Commander for Abia State, expressed deep concern about the rising levels of drug abuse across Nigeria. Referencing the 2018 national drug use survey, Adetunji highlighted that an alarming 143 million Nigerians between the ages of 15 and 64 are involved in the misuse of illicit substances.
Adetunji emphasized the importance of the Urine Drug Test Kit, which was introduced in 2021 by Brigadier General Buba Marwa (retd.), stating that it is a critical tool in the ongoing battle against drug and substance abuse.
He urged parents, guardians, educational institutions, workplaces, religious organizations, and communities to adopt the use of these kits, underlining their effectiveness in identifying early signs of drug use and providing necessary support for those at risk of addiction. Notably, institutions like the University of Abuja have already integrated the test kit into their admission process.
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Adetunji reassured the public that individuals who test positive will not face punishment. Instead, they will receive support, treatment, rehabilitation, and counseling. He stressed the importance of early detection in preventing drug addiction and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to helping those affected.
“The NDLEA has established a rehabilitation center in Abia State to assist individuals battling substance addiction,” Adetunji explained. “This center provides various services, including counseling, therapy, and support groups, all designed to help individuals overcome addiction and reintegrate into society.”
He also mentioned that the NDLEA offers educational programs for schools, communities, religious groups, and workplaces to raise awareness about the dangers of substance abuse and the importance of seeking help early.