Mr. Nick Roll, a correspondent with the international news agency Agence France-Presse (AFP), is currently working on an investigative story focused on drug trafficking and drug abuse in Nigeria.
As part of his research, Mr. Roll visited one of our specialist rehabilitation centers operated by Vanguard Against Drug Abuse (VGADA) in Galadimawa, Abuja, where he was received by the Executive Director, Dr. Hope Omeiza.
During the visit, we held exploratory discussions on the growing burden of drug trafficking in Nigeria, with particular emphasis on the country’s role as a major transit point within the West African corridor for substances destined for Western Europe.
Key issues discussed included:
1. Nigeria’s strategic position in transnational drug trafficking networks;
2. The exploitation of porous borders and weak enforcement mechanisms across West African countries;
3. The link between drug trafficking and the rise in local drug abuse, particularly among young people;
4. The broader socio-economic and security implications of drug-related activities in the region;
5. Efforts by local stakeholders and international partners to combat the escalating drug crisis.
This engagement is expected to provide AFP with informed, context-driven insights into Nigeria’s drug landscape while also underscoring the urgent need for sustained and coordinated responses at the national, regional, and global levels.
