As Nigeria celebrates 65 years of independence, the nation stands at a crossroads between pride and reflection. The tricolour flag once again flutters in commemoration of freedom from colonial rule, but beneath the festivities lies a sobering reality: our independence is incomplete if the menace of drug abuse continues to hold our youth captive and threaten the future of our nation.
By Omonon Chidi Nwafor
As Nigeria celebrates 65 years of independence, the nation stands at a crossroads between pride and reflection. The tricolour flag once again flutters in commemoration of freedom from colonial rule, but beneath the festivities lies a sobering reality: our independence is incomplete if the menace of drug abuse continues to hold our youth captive and threaten the future of our nation.
Drug abuse has grown into a silent epidemic in Nigeria, cutting across class, gender, and geography. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), over 14 million Nigerians aged between 15 and 64 years have used drugs, with about 3 million already suffering from drug use disorders. This is nearly three times the global average. Far from being a mere statistic, these figures reflect broken homes, shattered communities, wasted potential, and rising insecurity.
At 65, a country once full of promise must pause to ask itself: can we truly be free if our future generation is enslaved by addiction?
The NDLEA’s Renewed Fight
Encouragingly, in recent years Nigeria has witnessed a more determined and visible campaign against the drug crisis. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), under the able leadership of its Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), has reinvigorated the fight with strategic focus and purposeful resolve.
The agency has intensified crackdowns on traffickers, intercepting tonnes of illicit substances at our borders, airports, and seaports. In addition, innovative awareness campaigns and rehabilitation programmes have expanded to reach schools, marketplaces, and even remote communities.
This progress is not accidental. It reflects the political will and operational discipline being instilled in the NDLEA’s renewed drive. The Chairman’s insistence on professionalism, integrity, and collaboration with international partners has repositioned the agency as a credible force in the war against drugs. Today, seizures are up, prosecutions are swifter, and communities are beginning to feel the impact of these interventions.
While the road ahead remains long, there is no doubt that this fresh leadership is yielding results worthy of national commendation.
The Cost of Inaction
Still, the challenge remains daunting. Drug abuse is both a health crisis and a security threat. It fuels criminality, undermines productivity, and worsens poverty. In the North-East, for instance, drug cartels have been linked to the financing of violent extremism, while in cities across the South, addiction is driving spikes in cultism, robbery, and gender-based violence.
Economically, the cost of treating drug-related illnesses and the loss of productive man-hours run into billions of naira annually.
At 65, Nigeria cannot afford to continue carrying this burden into the future. Independence must mean more than political sovereignty; it must translate into the freedom of our people from the shackles of drugs, poverty, and despair. The fight against drug abuse is therefore not just about law enforcement—it is about preserving the very soul of our independence.
The Role of Society and the Flag Foundation
Government cannot fight this battle alone. Communities, faith-based institutions, families, and civil society groups must rise to their responsibilities. In this regard, the Flag Foundation of Nigeria has emerged as a critical voice in mobilizing citizens around national values, unity, and civic responsibility.
By promoting patriotism and encouraging Nigerians to take pride in the national flag, the Foundation reminds us that true independence is sustained not by symbols alone, but by the daily choices we make as a people.
The Foundation’s ongoing campaigns, particularly among youths, resonate deeply with the anti-drug struggle. Just as the NDLEA is tackling the supply and demand for illicit substances, organizations like the Flag Foundation are helping to rebuild the moral and patriotic compass of the younger generation. Together, they underscore the fact that nation-building is a collective responsibility.
A Call for Holistic Action
As we celebrate Nigeria @ 65, we must move beyond ceremonial parades and speeches. It is time for a holistic strategy against drug abuse. Schools must integrate preventive education into their curricula. Communities must embrace open dialogue, shedding the stigma that prevents addicts from seeking help. Rehabilitation centres should be expanded, adequately funded, and staffed with professionals who can help victims reintegrate into society. Parents and guardians must stay vigilant, nurturing environments that discourage experimentation with harmful substances.
Equally important is the role of the media. At independence, Nigeria’s press was a pillar of democracy and accountability. Today, it must also be a tool for awareness, shaping narratives that discourage drug use and highlight stories of recovery and resilience.
Independence as a Responsibility
The founding fathers who secured our political freedom in 1960 envisioned a nation where every citizen could live with dignity and purpose. At 65, our duty is to secure freedom from internal enemies such as drug abuse, corruption, and insecurity. Independence is not a one-time event; it is an ongoing responsibility. It demands vigilance, sacrifice, and above all, unity of purpose.
This anniversary must therefore serve as both celebration and wake-up call. We cannot dance in the streets while ignoring the chains of addiction that bind millions of our young people. We cannot wave the flag without ensuring that it represents a nation truly free from the grip of drugs.
Looking Ahead
The road to a drug-free Nigeria will not be easy, but it is possible. With strong institutions like the NDLEA under effective leadership, complemented by civic movements such as the Flag Foundation of Nigeria, the seeds of change are already being sown. What remains is the collective will of government, citizens, and communities to water those seeds until they bloom into a safer, healthier, and more prosperous Nigeria.
As we mark 65 years of independence, let us recommit to this vision. Let us honor the sacrifices of our heroes past not just with celebrations, but with action—action that secures the freedom of every Nigerian child from the grip of drugs, and guarantees the promise of a brighter tomorrow.
Omonon, a Counselor/Recovery Coach and Head of programs at Flag Foundation of Nigeria
