The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, has emphasized the interconnectedness of drug abuse and mental illness. Speaking at the 5th edition of The Conversation Conference in Abuja, Marwa warned that if only symptoms are addressed, the root cause will continue to be missed. He cited the Agency's experience, where many cases of drug abuse treated at NDLEA rehab facilities have underlying untreated pain.
Marwa noted that mental health has long been treated as a private burden, hidden behind shame and silence. He observed that this silence has significant costs, with many cases of drug abuse linked to untreated depression, trauma, or other mental health issues. The NDLEA boss stressed that a comprehensive approach is needed, one that addresses both drug abuse and mental health.
The conference, organized by Intersect Consortium, brought together stakeholders to discuss strategic investments, partnerships, and community-led action in addressing mental health. Marwa highlighted the Agency's work in three pilot communities in Ondo State, where families previously dependent on illicit cultivation were helped to build legitimate livelihoods. This model aims to reduce hopelessness and poverty, which drive people to harm.
Marwa emphasized that mental wellbeing cannot thrive in environments where poverty and hopelessness prevail. He invited partners to join the NDLEA in scaling up this model nationwide. The Agency's efforts also include the War Against Drug Abuse campaign, which targets young people, and a 24/7 toll-free helpline for those in need.
According to Marwa, over 53,843 persons have passed through the NDLEA's 31 rehabilitation facilities across Nigeria in the last five years. He noted that behind these numbers are individuals who have been reunited with their families and reintegrated into society. Marwa stressed that mental health must be prioritized in health budgets, with increased investment in prevention, personnel, and accessible treatment.
Marwa called for an increase in mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and counsellors. He also advocated for mental health to be integrated into primary healthcare, ensuring that services are accessible and equitable. The NDLEA boss emphasized that no single institution can address mental health alone and called for collaboration across health, education, security, justice, and social welfare sectors.
Marwa commended the conference's focus on women and children, highlighting the need to support vulnerable populations. He urged participants to commit to financing effective interventions, scaling community models, and prioritizing the needs of women, children, and the vulnerable. The NDLEA boss concluded by emphasizing the importance of collective action in building a Nigeria where seeking help is a courageous act and recovery is possible.
Key points
- - Drug abuse and mental illness are interconnected, with many cases of drug abuse linked to untreated mental health issues. - The NDLEA is scaling up a model that helps communities build legitimate livelihoods, reducing hopelessness and poverty. - Marwa calls for increased investment in mental health, including prevention, personnel, and accessible treatment, and advocates for a collaborative approach across sectors.
