The Nigerian Maritime Administration & Safety Agency (NIMASA), has partner with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Delta Command, in the fight against drug abuse.
The Director General of the Maritime agency, Dr. Dakuku Peterside ably represented by Mr. Offiong Ukpabio disclosed this today at the Maritime Sector Sensitization Seminar on the Menace of Drug Misuse in NIMASA Office Warri, Delta State.
He said today’s event is focused on improving awareness and promoting preventive, corrective and mitigating actions to stop drug abuse amongst seafarers, dockworkers and Nigerians in general.
According to him, “I take great pleasure in the President Muhammadu Buhari idea of setting up the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Elimination of Drug Abuse (PACEDA) which the management of NIMASA has taking very far reaching and concrete step in stemming the dangers and diverse consequences of the problem on our nation to strengthen the Presidents initiative.”
While explaining that the collaboration aims to successfully curtail the drug menace in Delta State, saying it had become necessary due to the rising cases of illegal consumption of prohibited substances, especially among youths in our society which has called for concern to the general public.
“NIMASA as a leading safety administrator in the Maritime Sector considers substance misuse as a serious occupational health concern because of the impact on wellbeing and a grave danger to productivity,” he also said at the event.
Also speaking at the Maritime Sector Sensitization Seminar, Deputy Director Health Services NIMASA, Dr. Anslem Nwanze urge NDLEA to help in the fight against drug abuse by organizing more workshops and sensitization programmes to alert our targeted audience on the menace.
He added that NIMASA has zero tolerance policy regarding the use of illicit drugs, alcohol consumption and smoking while at work.
On his part, Mr Afore J. Arede, who represented the Delta State NDLEA Commandant said that the agency was willing to partner to combat drug abuse both in Delta State and in other parts of the country.
This lecture, he said is to eliminate drug abuse in our society, adding that “It is a good thing to know that organisations have been working towards a drug free society by sensitizing youths on drugs and its adverse effects”.
He advised parents to monitor their wards and children to know the kind of company they keep, it would help to reduce the rate of the abuse, urging public spirited individuals to join hands in the fight, saying, “We must all take on this fight to safeguard our future.”
In his words, the agency had, on its part, embarked on occasional sensitization programmes to the dangers of drug abuse in various schools in and across the country.
