…calls for removal of narcotics from Exclusive Legislative List Â
 …advocates for drug demand reduction over death sentences
The Bensther Foundation, a non governmental organization, has asserted that the new law prescribing the death sentence for drug-related offenses is not an effective solution to the drug abuse crisis in Nigeria.
They have also called for the removal of narcotics from the Exclusive Legislative List, allowing states to adopt strategies they believe will be effective in combating drug abuse and related issues.
The Executive Director of the foundation, Pharmacist Nonso Maduka, made this statement during a media discussion titled “Nigeria Drug Law: Way Forward, Death Penalty, or a Human Rights-Based Public Health Approach,” held in Enugu in collaboration with the National Human Rights Commission and Youthrise Nigeria.
According to Pharmacist Maduka, the death penalty law has not yielded positive results in countries like Iran, which had to rescind it due to the rising number of substance users.
“Since 1935, Nigeria has adopted a harsh approach to drug control. Unfortunately, a national drug survey conducted in 2018 revealed this approach has failed.
“Nigeria, once known primarily as a transit nation for drugs, has now become a significant consumer, with a reported drug use prevalence of 14.4% among citizens aged 15-64, totaling approximately 14.3 million Nigerians using drugs.
“This clearly indicates that our current strategy has not worked. Yet, those in power continue to pursue punitive measures, resulting in the implementation of the death penalty.
“There are about 35 countries worldwide that previously enforced the death penalty for drug offenses; last year, Pakistan abolished it due to its ineffectiveness.
“From 2008 to 2018, there were approximately 4,366 executions globally based on drug offenses, with Iran alone accounting for 3,975 of those executions. Despite these measures, the 2021 World Drug Report indicates that 19% of the world’s opium was seized in Iran, along with 72% of morphine.
“These facts underscore our position that the death penalty does not work.”
Regarding solutions, Mr. Maduka emphasized the need for a focus on drug demand reduction rather than imposing death sentences on drug dealers.
“Our primary initiative should be a campaign for reducing drug demand. The NDLEA should prioritize drug supply interventions, while other stakeholders—or potentially a newly established body—should focus on reducing drug demand and rehabilitating users and addicts.
“There are various reasons individuals turn to drug abuse, including socioeconomic factors. Many people unable to fulfill their social and financial responsibilities may resort to drugs to escape their troubles. Additionally, life stress can lead to similar coping mechanisms, where drugs become a refuge.
“Some individuals with health issues might initially take certain drugs for relief but later find themselves dependent without understanding the consequences.
“A criminalization-focused approach to addressing drug abuse only hampers communication regarding drug-related intelligence.
“This is why we see little attention given to establishing treatment centers or training health professionals to care for those affected by drug abuse.
“The consequence is that individuals suffering from substance use disorders are blamed for something beyond their control, unaware that they may have a medical condition with no access to treatment.”
He stressed the necessity of removing substance use and narcotics from the Exclusive Legislative List, insisting that under the current framework, progress cannot be made without going through Abuja. He argued that substance use should be treated concurrently with other health-related issues.
“There is a need to move narcotics from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent List, just like other health issues. This change would enable states to take a more active role in addressing drug abuse rather than having to defer to Abuja for narcotics issues.
“Drug abuse predominantly occurs in the hinterlands. It is not confined to Abuja,” he asserted.
In conclusion, he dismissed the claim that drug abuse leads to criminal behavior, stating, “Studies have shown that drug use does not inherently make someone a criminal; you don’t plan crimes while under the influence. Drugs may only enable the act.”
