By Olugbenga Salami
The National Assembly and key stakeholders have called on Nigerian women to take the lead in the fight against drug abuse, arguing that the nation cannot defeat the menace without leveraging their influence within families and communities.
The appeal was made during a workshop titled “Role of Nigerian Women in the Fight Against Drug Abuse and Illegal Drug Trafficking,” held in Abuja.
Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo (PDP Gombe South), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, said through his representative, Isah Garba, that a sustainable solution requires a community-driven approach with women at its heart.
As custodians of the home and first educators of children, Senator Dankwambo noted, women are uniquely placed to detect early signs of substance use and instil values that protect young people.
“Beyond the home, women also play critical roles in civil society, healthcare, education, and governance, where they influence policy and drive advocacy,” he said. “Empowering women with knowledge, resources, and platforms is not optional — it is necessary.”
He added that when women lead prevention efforts, challenge stigma, and support rehabilitation, entire communities become stronger and more aware. The Senate, he confirmed, remains committed to legislative frameworks that place women at the forefront of drug control, but stressed that laws alone are insufficient.
“We need grassroots action, cultural shifts, and sustained public awareness,” he said. “Nigerian women are central to all these mitigating measures.”
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, represented by Abass Adigun, Chairman of the House Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, echoed the sentiment.
“The war on drug abuse cannot be won by law enforcement alone,” Mr Abbas said. “It can only be won through prevention, education, family support systems, economic empowerment, and community resilience.”
He assured that the House remains fully committed to mitigating drug abuse, noting improved funding, legal backing, and inter-agency collaboration to tackle trafficking, money laundering, and cross-border smuggling.
The convener of the workshop, Dr Christabel Okoye, Executive Secretary of the National Association of Nigerian Drug Monitoring, described drug abuse as one of the nation’s most pressing social challenges, threatening public health, family stability, and national development.
“Women as mothers, caretakers, professionals, and community influencers occupy a unique and strategic position in shaping values and safeguarding society’s future,” she said.
The event drew participants from the Nigeria Police Force, the Federal Road Safety Commission, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), academia, and civil society organisations.
