The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has highlighted the alarming connection between the rising incidence of drug abuse and road traffic fatalities in Nigeria. This statement was made by the FRSC Public Enlightenment Officer in Lagos, Olabisi Sonusi, during the recent Press Week Lecture organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Lagos Chapel.
A Disturbing Trend
The lecture, titled “Drug Abuse and Nigerian Youths: Effects and the Way Forward,” was attended by various stakeholders including officials from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, the Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, as well as students and others concerned about this pressing issue.
Mrs. Sonusi emphasized that the country has witnessed the loss of numerous talents and future leaders as a result of substance abuse-related road crashes. She expressed her concern, stating, “Nigeria is losing youths to drugs and alcohol, especially while hanging out under the influence of substances. We are losing many of our youths in their prime.”
Youths aged between 15 and 35 years constitute a significant portion of road traffic accident victims, accounting for seven out of every ten cases. This staggering statistic is a cause for great concern, as it indicates a devastating impact on the nation’s development and progress.
A Call for Collaborative Action
Mrs. Sonusi called on Nigerians to tackle the issue by preventing under-aged driving and driving under the influence of alcohol. The FRSC has been actively conducting campaigns and enlightenment programs against drug abuse among motorists in various motor parks.
She stated, “We all need to come together to address the challenges of deaths on the highways caused by substance abuse.”
An Urgent Need for Prevention
To bring the severity of the issue to light, Mrs. Sonusi shared an incident where a young rider was knocked down by a vehicle while it was revealed that he was under the influence of drugs. This case further underscores the need for parents, religious leaders, and other stakeholders to unite in curbing drug abuse among Nigerian youths.
Deputy Superintendent Olumide Abolurin of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos Command, emphasized that drug abuse is not limited to the younger generation but also affects elderly individuals. He stressed the importance of effective collaboration among the police and other paramilitary agencies in apprehending drug abusers promptly.
Another key aspect highlighted by Mr. Abolurin was the need for continuous education and engagement of Nigerian youths, ensuring they fully comprehend the consequences of drug abuse in their lives.
Recognition and Support
The Acting Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Abdulhadi Khaliel, lauded the officers of NAN Lagos for their strong collaboration with stakeholders and emphasized the importance of maintaining this effective working relationship. It is through collective efforts that important personalities have been able to grace events such as the Press Week Lecture.
The issue of drug abuse and its impact on road traffic accidents is a matter of great urgency. It requires the involvement of all Nigerians and a holistic approach to effectively address this menace and safeguard the lives and future prospects of Nigerian youths.
NAN
