To combat the rising problem of substance abuse, the Deputy Speaker. Lagos State House of Assembly, Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, has called for a review and implementation of the NDLEA Act.
The Deputy Speaker made the call in Lagos at the Anti-Substance Abuse Program (ASAP) Stakeholders Conference, organised by the MTN Foundation in Falomo.
Meranda added: “I remain committed to the well-being of our people in Lagos and Nigerians in general. I use this platform to call for a comprehensive review and implementation of the NDLEA Act, which will, ultimately, bring these policies to the state level so all State Houses of Assembly can get involved.”
She called for stricter measures, particularly at the grassroots, to curb access and protect vulnerable citizens. She reiterated that prevention is cheaper and far more effective than rehabilitation.
“We must enforce tougher restrictions, especially at the grassroots, as part of the measures to curb access and protect our most vulnerable citizens. We all know that prevention is cheaper and far more effective than rehabilitation. This is why we must continue to invest in education, youth development, and community empowerment to redirect energy away from street vices and substance abuse towards productive and promising futures.”
She called for collaborative efforts and synergy between government agencies in the fight against substance abuse in the country, adding that it will take such collaboration to break the vicious cycle of abuse in society, even as she commended the MTN Foundation Board.
“This is not just a fight for one agency or one arm of government. It is everyone’s fight! Together, we must break the cycle and build a healthier, drug-free future. I sincerely commend the MTN Foundation Board, management, and staff for their commitment to this cause, and the Board and Management of MTN Nigeria for funding it.
I also appreciate the collaborative support of the Lagos State Government, the NDLEA, UNODC, CSOs, media, religious leaders, traditional rulers, educators, parents, and youth advocates who continue to lend their voices to the fight against substance abuse.”
