A proposal to give the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency explicit authority to establish and manage drug treatment, counseling and rehabilitation centers across Nigeria has passed second reading in the House of Representatives.
Sponsored by lawmaker Garba Mohammed, the bill seeks to amend the NDLEA Act to create a clearer legal foundation for facilities that provide medical treatment, psychological support and assistance with social reintegration.
Mohammed told the House that drug dependence should not be addressed solely through arrests and prosecution. He said growing substance misuse, particularly among young people and vulnerable groups, required coordinated healthcare and recovery services alongside enforcement.
The sponsor argued that rehabilitation provision was fragmented and that some existing centers lacked consistent regulation or supervision by appropriately qualified medical personnel. He proposed that each NDLEA-operated facility should be led by a qualified medical practitioner.
Under the draft amendment to Section 3 of the principal Act, the agency would be authorized to establish, maintain and operate treatment and rehabilitation centers in any part of the federation. Services envisaged include clinical care, psychological counseling, and support for reintegration into family and community life.
Mohammed said the proposed approach was consistent with public-health principles and international drug-control practice that combine enforcement with evidence-based treatment.
The bill has not become law. Passage at second reading allows further legislative scrutiny, including consideration of implementation standards, funding, professional oversight and the relationship between NDLEA facilities and existing health services.
If enacted and properly resourced, the measure could expand access to structured support for people affected by drug dependence. Its effectiveness would depend on the quality of clinical supervision, safeguards for patients and consistent service delivery.
