Kano partners Reps’ committee to host North-West drug abuse summit

The Kano State Government has agreed to partner with the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Drugs and Illicit Trafficking to host the North-West Regional Summit on drug abuse, illicit drug trafficking, tobacco use and alcohol control later this year.

The collaboration was sealed during a courtesy visit by members of the committee to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, where both parties pledged to strengthen efforts to combat substance abuse and its associated social consequences across the region.

Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee, Hon Oluwatimehin Adelegbe, described Kano State’s commitment to tackling drug abuse, illicit trafficking, tobacco use and alcohol-related harm as “a significant milestone in Nigeria’s collective effort to protect its youth and secure the nation’s future.”

Represented by Hon Rabiu Yusuf, who represents Sumaila/Takai Federal Constituency of Kano State, Hon Adelegbe commended Governor Yusuf for embracing the National Assembly’s initiative and accepting to partner with the committee in hosting the regional summit.

He said the summit forms part of the committee’s advocacy platforms designed to generate practical solutions that would culminate in comprehensive legislative reforms and coordinated national action against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

According to him, Kano was deliberately selected to host the North-West edition because of its strategic location, population, institutional capacity, economic influence and longstanding leadership role in Northern Nigeria.

“The Governor’s decision reflects a strong commitment to safeguarding the future of young people and positioning Kano State at the forefront of the regional campaign against one of the greatest social and public health challenges confronting Nigeria today,” Hon Adelegbe said.

He explained that the partnership extends beyond hosting a conference, describing it as a strategic alliance between the Kano State Government and the National Assembly to develop sustainable legislative, policy, community and institutional responses capable of reducing the prevalence of drug abuse and related social vices throughout the North-West.

The lawmaker stressed that the fight against drug abuse and trafficking could not be left to law enforcement agencies alone but requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach involving legislation, prevention, education, rehabilitation, community mobilisation and strategic partnerships.

He expressed confidence that the summit would produce practical recommendations to strengthen Nigeria’s legislative framework while positioning Kano as a model for regional cooperation and evidence-based interventions to protect young people and build healthier communities.

Hon Adelegbe disclosed that the summit would bring together stakeholders from the seven North-West states, including state governments, members of the National and State Assemblies, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), NAFDAC, the Nigeria Customs Service, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Federal Ministry of Health, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, development partners, healthcare professionals, youth groups, educational institutions, rehabilitation centres and private sector representatives.

Responding on behalf of Governor Yusuf, the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, reaffirmed the Kano State Government’s readiness to collaborate fully with the National Assembly to ensure the successful hosting of the summit.

He said the state government remained committed to supporting broader efforts aimed at reducing drug abuse, strengthening public health interventions and protecting communities across the North-West.

As part of the visit, the delegation held separate consultations with the Kano State Command of the NDLEA on emerging drug trafficking trends, enforcement challenges, prevention strategies and areas of collaboration.

The committee also visited the Kano Reformatory Centre in Kiru, where Coordinator Ms Cheryl Aminta Kwagga showcased the centre’s rehabilitation programmes, vocational training initiatives and expansion plans while members interacted with recovering clients.

The delegation further met with the Kano State House of Assembly to explore future legislative collaboration and paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, to solicit the support of the Kano Emirate Council in mobilising traditional institutions and local communities ahead of the regional summit.