DRUG abuse is becoming a pervasive problem and is directly responsible for the increase in robbery, violence and youth restiveness being experienced today in Nigeria, the President of Association of Security and Safety Operators of Nigeria, (AISSON) Dr. Ona Ekhomu, has said.
Drug abuse, according to him, is also responsible for the high rate of accidents on our roads in recent times. Speaking at a security seminar for intending Certified Protection Officers in Lagos recently, Ekhomu indicated that drug abuse decreases productivity, increases workplace accident and safety incidents and also results in greater absenteeism. �Drug abuse leads to an increase in workmen compensation costs and greater healthcare cost for companies. In fact, it is a loss-loss situation for the firm,� he said.
�Psycho-active drugs alter the structure and function of the brain, including mood, perception or consciousness,� he said. Ekhomu identified marijuana, a drug that diminishes the user�s mental capacity as the most abused drug in Nigeria. In Lagos metropolis, marijuana is openly abused by youths, motor park touts, and working class persons trying to get high, he said.
He expressed concern about increase in cocaine use in Nigeria especially since the highly addictive stimulant is native to far away South America.
Said he: �Increasingly, Nigeria is becoming a net consumer of hard drugs. Cocaine and amphetamines are being mixed with local gin at motor parks and sold as drug cocktails nicknamed Shepke and monkey tail. These potent stimulants are used by long distance drivers as �stay awake� drugs. However, these stimulants have been a significant factor in road crashes.�