The Deputy Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mojisola Meranda, has advocated for a thorough revision and enforcement of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Act to effectively confront the escalating issue of substance abuse in Nigeria.
She made this appeal on Wednesday during her address at the Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP) Stakeholders Conference hosted by the MTN Foundation at MTN Golden Plaza, Falomo, Lagos.
Meranda reaffirmed her dedication to safeguarding public health and welfare, emphasizing the need to empower state legislatures to take part in enforcing national drug laws.
“As a legislator and Deputy Speaker, I remain fully committed to the health and safety of our people in Lagos and across Nigeria,” she said. “We need a complete overhaul and active enforcement of the NDLEA Act, so these crucial policies can be localized and adopted by state assemblies.”
Stressing the importance of grassroots action, Meranda called for stronger restrictions to limit access to illicit substances, particularly among vulnerable communities. She emphasized that preventative efforts are more cost-effective and impactful than rehabilitation.
“We must tighten regulations at the grassroots level to protect those most at risk,” she stated. “Investing in education, youth empowerment, and community development is essential to steering young people away from drugs and towards brighter, more productive futures.”
Meranda also called for enhanced inter-agency collaboration, noting that only a united front can disrupt the cycle of addiction plaguing society. She extended praise to the MTN Foundation for spearheading initiatives aimed at addressing the drug crisis.
“This fight requires collective responsibility. It’s not limited to any single agency or branch of government,” she emphasized. “Together, we must break the chain of substance abuse and build a drug-free society. I applaud the MTN Foundation, its leadership, and MTN Nigeria for backing this mission wholeheartedly.”
In closing, she expressed gratitude to the Lagos State Government, the NDLEA, members of the media, faith-based and traditional leaders, educators, parents, and youth advocates for their ongoing support in the national fight against substance misuse.
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