Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has expressed strong support for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in its ongoing campaign against drug abuse and trafficking. The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working with the Federal Government to eliminate the menace and strengthen legislative measures that deter offenders.

Governor Otti made this known while receiving the Assistant Controller General of Narcotics (ACGN), Zone 12, Owerri, Mrs Florence Ezeonye, who oversees Imo, Abia, and Anambra states, during her working visit to the Government House, Umuahia. He stressed that the war against drug abuse requires a united front, adding that many violent crimes in Nigeria are drug-induced.

Otti explained that drug addiction among the youth remains a major social problem, fueling criminal behavior and restiveness. According to him, “Until we tackle drug abuse head-on, other social and economic interventions will not yield full results.” He also pointed out the need to distinguish between habitual offenders and those driven into crime by economic hardship, revealing that his government is focused on rehabilitation and empowerment programs for youths trapped in drug use.

The governor further disclosed that his administration is creating an enabling environment where crime will be difficult to thrive, while supporting ongoing discussions in the National Assembly for stronger drug control laws and stiffer penalties for offenders.

In her response, Mrs Ezeonye commended Governor Otti for his leadership and support towards the NDLEA. She highlighted that under his administration, the agency has received unprecedented assistance, including operational vehicles, a new rehabilitation centre, and inclusion in the State Security Council. She also lauded the inauguration of the State Drug Control Committee (SDCC), describing it as a major step in grassroots education and drug enforcement.