The National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) has raised an alarm over the increased rate at which women abuse drugs. The body decried what it described as the false sense of normality around the scourge. 

Consequently, it has sought for partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), as part of efforts to reduce the disturbing prevalence of drug abuse among the female gender in Nigeria.

National President of the Council, Dr Gloria Laraba Shoda made this call on Friday when she led some members of her team on a courtesy visit to the Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) at the National HQ of the Agency in Abuja.

The Council commended the Officers and men of NDLEA for doing so much in the reduction of drug abuse and other crimes within a very short time. 

Mrs. Shoda however raised concern on the high level of drug abuse among Nigerian women. She said as a result, there is the urgent need for partnership with the Agency to salvage the dangerous situation. 

"It is unfortunate that women now hold drug parties where each one brings her own illicit drug and from the collection, they produce a cocktail of illicit substances to get high. At the NCWS, we are worried by this and that is why we have come to seek partnership with NDLEA in view of the recent excellent work being done by the Gen. Marwa new leadership of the Agency", she stated.

Gen. Marwa in his response noted that NCWS is central to the ongoing drug demand reduction and drug supply control efforts in Nigeria. He said the Agency is more than willing to work with the women body in the reduction of drug abuse in the society. 

"I am happy you have structures down to the Local Governments Areas and Communities because we have almost 15 million drug users and one in four is a woman. Women are central to the home and whatever they do have consequences on the entire family structure.

We have been sweeping the drugs off our streets as much as we can but we need to face the demand end, hence the need for collaboration with the NCWS", the NDLEA boss stated.

Gen Marwa called on the women body to assist assist his Agency in the area of advocacy and sensitisation. He said his Agency would intensify its advocacy for drug test in schools as part of deterrence measures. He called for support for the Agency's proposed drug test for university students and intending couples.

He said if prospective suitors know drug test will be a condition for marriage, they will abstain from drug use. He also urged the NCWS to join the campaign against the bid to legalise Cannabis in the Country. 

"You have to join the movement against those pushing for legalisation of Cannabis, otherwise we may be building more rehabilitation centres than hospitals. Women are the power of the nation, as such you must never allow this legalisation move", Gen. Marwa added. 

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