Senators engaged in a heated debate yesterday in the Upper Legislative Chamber over a bill proposing the establishment of a new agency dedicated to managing narcotics and rehabilitating drug abusers nationwide.
The controversy erupted when Senator Sumaila Kawu from Kano South suggested that all elected and appointed officials should undergo drug testing before taking office. He made this statement while discussing the general principles of a bill sponsored by Rufai Hangar from Kano Central, which seeks to create a National Institute for Drug Awareness and Rehabilitation to promote awareness, prevent substance abuse, and facilitate the rehabilitation of drug users.
Senator Kawu claimed that some lawmakers use their homes and constituency offices to stockpile drugs. He alleged that political leaders supply drugs to their supporters during elections, emphasizing that this issue will persist unless addressed directly.
He further asserted that many high-ranking Nigerians, including politicians and security operatives, are involved in drug trafficking.
“We need to establish a process where, before elections or appointments, individuals must pass a drug test,” he urged. “Right now, in many of our constituencies, you’ll discover large quantities of drugs in the offices of our political representatives.”
“There are drug dealers infiltrating our offices and homes. I speak freely from this Senate chamber; I could point out political figures who are significantly contributing to drug abuse in Nigeria. Mr. President, we must take this seriously,” he stated.
Kawu emphasized that drug trafficking and consumption have deeply affected society: “Drug abuse is a critical issue in Nigeria, particularly in Kano and other regions. It has infiltrated schools, and it is imperative that we confront this challenge head-on.”
“Politicians distribute drugs to their supporters during elections. We are aware of these practices. Some security agents are traffickers, and even some families are complicit in this trade. It’s time we face the truth. I propose that all political office holders must undergo mandatory drug tests, and those identified as abusers should be barred from occupying public office,” he insisted.
His remarks were abruptly cut short by Senate Deputy President Jibrin Barau, who cited Order 36 of the standing rules and declared him out of order.
Leading the debate, Hangar pointed out that drug abuse has fueled crime across the nation. “The goal of this bill is to raise awareness about drug abuse, trafficking, and to facilitate the rehabilitation of drug users,” he asserted.
Senators Seriake Dickson and Adams Oshiomhole both criticized the proposal to create a new agency, emphasizing the existing role of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Dickson acknowledged the link between drug use and crime, while Oshiomhole argued for enhancing the NDLEA’s current framework rather than establishing a new agency to tackle the issue. “I am deeply concerned. While drug abuse is indeed a national crisis, we already have the NDLEA, which prosecutes traffickers and addresses drug abuse. We should focus on strengthening its existing laws rather than proliferating new agencies, which could lead to regulations for trivial matters,” he remarked.
Oshiomhole’s sentiments were echoed by Hussaini Uba, representing Jigawa North West, who urged a focus on existing institutions. “We were informed yesterday that new drugs are entering Nigeria daily. I was appalled to learn that dry human waste is being repurposed to create substances for getting high. Let’s enhance the existing institutions to tackle this issue effectively,” Uba stated.
After a vigorous discussion, the bill passed its second reading following a voice vote conducted by Jibrin, and was referred to the committee on drugs and narcotics for further reporting in four weeks.
