Bayelsa Governor urges crackdown on drug production, abuse

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has called for a strategic shift in the fight against drug abuse, urging law enforcement agencies to target the production of illicit drugs to curb their spread.
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Speaking at the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking event in Yenagoa, Diri emphasized that disrupting drug production is key to breaking the cycle of supply and consumption.
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The one-day summit, held at the Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, was organized by the Bayelsa State Drug Abuse, Addiction, Prevention and Rehabilitation Committee (BADAPARC) in partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Themed “Breaking the Chains: Prevention, Treatment and Recovery for All,” the event drew stakeholders from across the state.

Represented by his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Governor Diri expressed concern over the persistent rise in drug abuse despite ongoing efforts by government agencies and international partners like the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

“The more we fight, the more drug abuse spreads. Are we winning or losing this war?” Diri questioned, advocating for intensified social media campaigns and community engagement to tackle the menace.

Diri also urged the NDLEA to establish local government offices in high-risk areas to enhance enforcement and prevention efforts, highlighting the negative impact of drug abuse on youth development.
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NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (Rtd), represented by Zonal Commander Fidelis Cocodia, revealed that the agency has made 66,000 arrests and secured 12,000 convictions over the past four years.

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However, Marwa stressed the need for stronger focus on primary prevention to address the root causes of drug abuse.

Keynote speaker Professor Wilson Erhun identified peer influence, parental neglect, and media exposure as major triggers of drug abuse among youths.

He praised BADAPARC’s efforts and called for its elevation to a statutory agency to bolster its impact.

The event also featured remarks from Amb. Boladei Igali, represented by Professor Philips Okolo, who underscored the global significance of the fight against drug abuse.

Health Commissioner Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe reaffirmed the state’s commitment to reducing drug prevalence, while BADAPARC Chairman Dr. Peter Owonaro highlighted progress made through state support.

UNODC Country Representative Cheikh Ousmane Touré praised Bayelsa’s resilience in combating illicit drugs, noting the state’s pivotal role in Nigeria’s prevention efforts.

NAFDAC’s South-South Director, Chukwuma Oligbu, also delivered a goodwill message, reinforcing the collective resolve to address the crisis.

The summit underscored the need for a unified approach to tackle drug abuse, with stakeholders pledging to intensify efforts to safeguard communities and promote recovery.