Assessment of the effects of drug abuse on the youths and socio-economic development in Nigeria: a study of national drug law enforcement agency (NDLEA) Enugu State

Abstract

The study examined drug abuse and its effects on the youths and socio-economic development in Nigeria. A review of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Enugu State. It can be deduced that the economic impact of drug misuse is measured in terms of lost potential workforce, low productivity, and the establishment of an unfavorable investment climate, all of which have an impact on Nigeria's Gross National Income. The heinous crime of illicit drug use and abuse necessitates a social commitment of resources to evidence-based prevention methods and measures, like treatment, rehabilitation, and public education. In Enugu state, NDLEA has done well to stern the tide of fighting the scourge of drug abuse and drug trafficking among the youths. Data for the research were sourced from oral interview (primary sources) and documented works (secondary sources). The study was anchored on availability-proneness theory as propounded by Reginald Smart. The findings of the study revealed that youths constitute the high risk group for drug abuse. It was also found that public enlightenment strategy that involves the use of public lectures, seminars and open symposiums is key in checking the menace of drug abuse. The study recommended among other things; that there should be public enlightenment to expose the dangers drug abuse and government should provide more employment opportunities for the youths and review existing drug laws to include stiffer penalties for offenders.