NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd) says Nigeria must address mental health to curb drug abuse.
Speaking as Chairperson of the 5th Conversation Conference (TCC 5.0) by Intersect Consortium at Nicon Luxury, Abuja on Tuesday, Marwa said many drug cases stem from untreated depression and trauma.
“Drug use and mental illness feed each other. If we only arrest the symptoms, we will keep missing the cause,” he said, noting the conference has become one of Nigeria’s largest mental health gatherings.
He disclosed NDLEA has rehabilitated 53,843 persons in five years across 31 facilities, runs WADA sensitisation and a 24/7 helpline, and is piloting Alternative Development in Ondo to replace illicit cultivation with lawful income. He called for more mental health professionals, integration into PHC, and equitable financing.
