The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has begun a nationwide training programme for counsellors as part of efforts to standardize treatment and rehabilitation services for people affected by substance use disorders.
More than 100 counsellors from NDLEA formations across the country are participating in the first phase at the agency’s academy in Jos.
The training is being coordinated by the Directorate of Counseling, Treatment and Rehabilitation.
NDLEA Chairman Buba Marwa said the programme was designed to strengthen the rehabilitation component of the agency’s drug control strategy.
Represented by Counselling, Treatment and Rehabilitation Director Bashir Ibrahim, Marwa said the changing nature of substance use required professionals to update their therapeutic knowledge and skills regularly.
The programme is expected to establish more uniform treatment protocols across NDLEA facilities.
It will also focus on improving counsellors’ ability to respond to emerging psychoactive substances and cases involving substance use alongside mental health conditions.
The agency said professional ethics, confidentiality, quality assurance and evidence based practice were central components of the programme.
Other areas include data management, peer review, clinical supervision and continuous professional development.
NDLEA said stronger data systems could improve both treatment decisions and national drug policy.
The agency also wants to reduce inconsistencies in the quality of rehabilitation services across different states.
Marwa said staff development was critical to maintaining morale and improving treatment outcomes.
The NDLEA has traditionally been associated most visibly with drug seizures and arrests, but the agency said reducing demand and supporting rehabilitation were equally important parts of a comprehensive drug control strategy.
The training programme is intended to strengthen that treatment function and align services with national and international professional standards.
