Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has called for a national review of existing drug laws to make punishments for drug abuse and trafficking more stringent, stressing that a more rigid legal framework is necessary to effectively combat drug-related crimes in Nigeria.
The Governor made the appeal in Umuahia on Wednesday when he received the newly posted Abia State Commandant of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Joseph Owoputi, who paid him a familiarisation visit.
Speaking during the visit, Governor Otti expressed deep concern over the alarming connection between drug abuse and rising criminality across the country.
According to him, available statistics indicate that over 90 per cent of crimes are linked to drug use, a trend he described as worrisome and destructive to society’s foundation.
He insisted that unless Nigeria confronts drug cartels head-on and disrupts the supply chains of illicit substances, efforts at reducing crime will remain ineffective.
“We just need to crack the drug cartel. If you take down the cartel, crime automatically reduces.
“Unfortunately, our laws remain too lenient. Many times, drug offenders are simply counselled and rehabilitated.
“While rehabilitation is important, it is not enough punishment. We need a tougher approach that makes young people think twice before getting involved,” Otti said.
The Governor revealed that his administration would lobby for an amendment of Nigeria’s drug laws at the National Assembly, pointing out that unless the source and networks of drug supply are dismantled, drug abuse will continue to spread among young people.
He lamented that many students have already dropped out of school due to drug addiction.
Governor Otti assured Mr. Owoputi of his administration’s full backing, noting that the fight against illicit drugs is not just the NDLEA’s responsibility but a collective battle that requires government and community involvement.
As part of immediate intervention, he approved two brand-new Hilux vehicles to boost the Abia NDLEA Command’s operations.
He also directed the recovery and repair of the agency’s abandoned vehicles by the state government, a move aimed at improving their mobility and response capacity.
In his remarks, the new NDLEA Commandant for Abia, Mr. Joseph Owoputi, commended the Governor for his consistent support to the agency, describing him as a dependable ally in the war against drug abuse.
He revealed that his predecessor had referred to Governor Otti as a “Messiah” to the NDLEA in Abia, due to his interventions that have strengthened the agency’s activities in the state.
Owoputi gave an operational report of the command within the last three months.
He disclosed that between June and August, the command arrested 65 drug suspects and seized about 82 kilograms of illicit substances.
He further explained that seven convictions had already been secured within the same period, and 12 cases are currently in court.
Additionally, the command is handling the counselling and rehabilitation of 38 individuals who were apprehended for drug use, reaffirming the agency’s dual approach of enforcement and rehabilitation.
The Commandant assured that he would consolidate his predecessor’s achievements by intensifying supply reduction and demand reduction strategies while appealing for more operational vehicles to enhance coverage across the state.
Key security and government officials attended the meeting, underscoring the seriousness of the matter.
Those present included: Navy Commander McDonald Ubah (Rtd.), Special Adviser to the Governor on Security; Col. Chidi Kalu Ukoha (Rtd.), GM/CEO of Abia State Homeland Security Board; Mr. Chukwunenye Alajemba, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Homeland Security, Medical and Fire Emergency; and the Governor’s Chief Security Officers, Sir Ken Nwosu and Maduka Obiora.
Governor Otti concluded by affirming that the fight against drug abuse requires a multi-dimensional approach — one that combines strong legislation, active enforcement, rehabilitation, and public awareness.
He expressed optimism that with greater synergy between the state government, NDLEA, and other security agencies, Abia would be better positioned to combat the scourge of drugs and reduce crime rates.