Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Buba Marwa, lamented on Saturday, over the pervasive abuse of (cannabis) substance in the country.
He disclosed that about 10.6 million Nigerians were actively abusing the substance.
Marwa said this at the launch of War Against Drug Abuse in commemoration of the United Nations International Day against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking at the State House conference centre in Abuja.
He said Nigeria was the highest user of cannabis globally.
According to him, “the increasing trend of drug abuse in the country is worrisome and has become an enabler of insecurity and a catalyst for terrorism.”
Marwa has constantly campaigned against the abuse of drugs in Nigeria since he stepped in the saddle.
Earlier, on Monday, he stressed that he was opposed to demands for the legalisation of cannabis in Nigeria.
He explained that the nation could not afford to mortgage the lives of the citizens for financial gains by legalising cannabis.
The NDLEA has so far under his administration seized N90 million worth of drugs as the agency has called for partnership particularly with the establishment of a Special purpose committee, to win the war against drug abuse.
President Muhammadu Buhari was represented at the event by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha.
Members of the National Assembly and other top government functionaries were also at the event. (Channels TV)
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