A bill seeking to prohibit drug abuse and other substances, and provision of treatment for addicts, on Monday, scaled through second reading at the Katsina state House of Assembly.
The bill was sponsored by Alhaji Abduljalal Runka (APC Safana) representing Safana constituency.
According to Runka, the need to have such a law had become necessary following the involvement of youths in the act.
“As a youth, it is so worrisome to see that most of the people engaged in drug abuse and its trafficking are youths like me. Hence, I find it necessary to seek for the total prohibition of drugs abuse in our society.
“When you look at the problem of insecurity in our communities, you will find out that most of the criminals are youth, and operating under the influence of drugs,’’ he said.
Runka expressed optimism that if the bill becomes law, it would help the state in many ways, especially in the area of security and youth development.
After serious deliberations by the lawmakers, the assembly referred the issue to the joint committee on youth and social development and that of health for further scrutiny.
The house also agreed on a two-week deadline for the committees to present their reports for further actions, after which they would meet all stakeholders involved.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the plenary was presided over by the Speaker, Alhaji Tasi’u Maigari.
