The Spokesperson of the House of Representatives and Member representing Bende Federal constituency, Rep. Benjamin Kalu has scored the current level of drug control in Nigeria below 50% stating that the house will ensure to set up legal frameworks to bring it at par with global standards.
While speaking at the CSO-Parliamentary Stakeholders’ policy roundtable held in commemoration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (World Drug Day), the representative mentioned that there is a growing concern for drug abuse in the country.
The event which was held at NAF Conference Centre, Abuja on the 7th of July 2021, focused on the effectiveness of drug control in Nigeria. It was organized by UNITE Network in partnership with Bensther Development Foundation and Youth Rise Nigeria. Other panelists at event included Rep. Henry Nwawuba, Member representing Mbaitolu/Ikeduru Federal Constituency, Imo state, and Dr. Samuel Babatunde Adejare of Agege Federal Constituency, Lagos State amongst others.
Rep. Kalu also stated that as a result of the low control of drug use in the country, he has sponsored the NDLEA Amendment Bill, 2020 which seeks to grant the agency more power for certification and revoking of license on drugs including the Cultivation, Processing, Availability, and Trade of Cannabis Sativa. The bill has passed its second reading.
He added that the process of legislation of medicinal cannabis will be done with the collaboration of all stakeholders as everyone has a role to play in ensuring the medicinal cannabis is rolled out with minimal consequences.
He assured the participants that the house will ensure a legal framework through its legislative interventions and reforms to curb the impending dangers of drug abuse in the country.
