Oshiomhole Opposes Bill to Establish National Drug Awareness Institute, Advocates Strengthening NDLEA

 

Former Governor and current Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has expressed opposition to the proposed creation of the National Institute for Drug Awareness and Rehabilitation. The bill, which aims to coordinate drug awareness campaigns, prevent substance abuse, and rehabilitate drug users, was discussed during a Senate session.

Oshiomhole argued that the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) already performs many of the functions outlined in the proposed bill. He emphasized that rather than creating another agency, efforts should be directed toward strengthening the existing laws governing the NDLEA.

"We already have the NDLEA, whose role includes addressing drug trafficking, abuse, and raising awareness. They even have training institutes," Oshiomhole stated. He suggested reviewing the current NDLEA laws to address any gaps that might hinder the agency's full effectiveness, instead of forming a new organization.

Oshiomhole voiced concerns about the financial burden of setting up a new agency, stating, "We spend too much on overhead costs. Creating more agencies just adds to current expenditure without significantly improving the quality of life for Nigerians." He stressed that while drug issues must be tackled, creating a new body that would overlap with the NDLEA could lead to redundancy and unnecessary spending.

The senator concluded by urging lawmakers to carefully consider whether amending NDLEA laws would be more effective than establishing a new institute that could end up competing with the already-existing agency.