APM Terminals Apapa in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have held a lecture on the negative effect of drug abuse and illicit trafficking to mark the 2024 International Day Against Drug Abuse.
The lecture, attended by members of the port users in Apapa Port and host community is themed: “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention.”
A statement by the company on Thursday noted that the lecture was part of a weeklong celebration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, which included a Walk Against Drugs.
The Manager, Health, Safety and Environment for APM Terminals Apapa, Felix Ugwuagbo, said that the terminal operator partnered with NDLEA to create awareness on the negative effects of illicit drugs on society.
He explained: “At APM Terminals, we have a strict policy against the use of illicit drugs by our employees, contractors and truckers who visit the terminal, as this can endanger safe operations. “This lecture is a great opportunity to educate the Apapa community and other stakeholders of the negative impact illicit drug use has on individuals, families and communities.
To battle this scourge, there is a need for evidence-based policies rooted in science, human rights, compassion, and knowledge.” Uguwagbo added that only through collaboration and prioritising prevention and treatment can the society fight drug abuse and help people live happy, healthy lives.
Also, NDLEA Commander, Apapa Special Area Command, Udotong Noah Essien, described drug trafficking and abuse as avenues to crime, waste of human lives and properties and depletion of a nation’s productive workforce.
Essoen noted: “It is important we tackle drug abuse prevention through awareness and public education. The NDLEA launched the War Against Drug Trafficking (WADA) to combat drug abuse in the country.”
Customs Area Controller, Apapa Area Command of Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, reiterated the command’s continuous support in the fight against drug trafficking and appealed to stakeholders to support the NDLEA in achieving a drugfree society.