By Suleiman Tajudeen
CITIZENS COMPASS – The word, youth is best understood as a period of transition from the dependence of childhood to adulthood’s independence.
As a category, youth is more fluid than other fixed age-groups. Yet, age is the easiest way to define this group, particularly in relation to education and employment, because ‘youth’ is often referred to as a person between the ages of leaving compulsory education, and finding their first job.
The United Nations, for statistical purposes, defines Youth as persons between the ages of 15 and 24 without prejudice to others while the United Kingdom defines it as the age group between 16 and 29 years. In most cultures, people believe that youths are the leaders of tomorrow, based on the fact that they are the vehicles through which positive changes can be realized and this is why many parents invest in the future of their youths. Government, parents, guardians devote a lot of time and resources in order to explore and harness the potentialities of youths. Therefore, a society that neglects youth development, may negatively affect future national development.
Youths, when neglected find escape and solace in such things as drug abuse, pick pocketing, loitering, rape, authotheft, truancy, delinquency or criminal act and insurgency (Radda 2009).
Drug abuse or dependence is defined as a state of Psychic or Physical dependence or both on a drug, following administration of drug on a periodic and continuous basis (WHO 2015). It constitutes the use of any substance under international control outside therapeutic indications in excessive dose levels, or over an unjustified period of time (Tupper, 2012).
People that indulge in drug abuse cannot be regarded as healthy and a developed one, since the abusers lose their potentialities to this activity. The consequences of drug abuse are multifarious and ranges from untimely death, suicides, road accident, violent crimes, laziness, mediocrity, and subsequent impoverishment that most of the time leads to broken home, dreams are scattered, potential power is wasted as the abusers struggle to sustain the habit and subsequently they become burdens to themselves, families, the society and the state at large. Unfortunately, young persons who are supposed to shoulder Nigeria’s future development in terms of socio-economic aspect are constant promoters of this sub-culture and anti-social activities of drug abuse.
Drug abuse, also known as substance abuse, refers to the use of psychoactive substances in a way that deviates from medical or social norms, leading to physical, psychological, or social harm.
Historical perspective of drug abuse among Nigerian youths
Drug abuse among Nigerian youths has a long history, dating back to the 1960s. However, it wasn’t until the 1980s that drug abuse became a significant problem among Nigerian youth. The rise of drug abuse was fueled by factors such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of education.
Transnational Organized Crimes (TOC) in Nigeria
Transnational organized crimes refer to crimes that involve more than one country and are committed by organized groups. In Nigeria, transnational organized crimes include human trafficking, arms smuggling, and drug trafficking.
International crimes are also crimes that are not only international but crimes that cross borders between countries. Transnational crimes also include crimes that take place in one country but their consequences significantly affect another country and transit countries may also be involved. Examples of transnational crimes include: human trafficking, smuggling of goods, firearms trafficking, drug trafficking and illegal animal and plant products and other goods prohibited on environmental grounds e.g. banned Ozone depleting substances, sex slavery, terrorism offences, torture and apartheid or any crimes that are against humanity.
Transnational Organized Crime (TOC) is a coordinated organised crime across national borders involving groups of individuals working in more than one country, to plan and execute illegal business ventures. In order to achieve their goals, these criminal groups use systematic violence and consumption, common transnational organized crimes include conveying drugs, conveying arms, trafficking for sex, toxic waste disposal, materials theft and poaching.
The United National Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime
The General Assembly of the United Nation adopted resolution 55/25 of 15 November, 2000 in order to use this instrument in the fight against transnational organized crime internationally. The law came into force on 29th of September, 2003, and the convention represents a major step in the fight against transnational organized crime, including human trafficking. The convention also signified the need to foster and improve international cooperation in order to tackle these problems. States that ratify the convention commit themselves to take a number of measures against transnational organized criminal offences.
Transnational Crime was officially known in 1923 with the name, International Criminal Police Commission and renamed in 1950 with the name, Interpol, today, it is the largest international police organization in the world and is made up of 190 member nations
Transnational crimes are violations of law that involve more than one country in their planning and executor impact.
Historical Perspective of Transnational Organized Crimes in Nigeria
Transnational organized crimes have a long history in Nigeria, dating back to the 1970s. However, it wasn’t until the 1990s that these crimes became a significant problem. The rise of transnational organized crimes was fueled by factors such as corruption, poverty, and lack of effective law enforcement.
Factors that Causes Drug Abuse in Nigeria
Poverty: Poverty is a significant cause of drug abuse in Nigeria. Many young people turn to drugs as a way to escape the harsh realities of poverty.
Unemployment: Unemployment is another significant cause of drug abuse in Nigeria. Many young people who are unable to find employment turn to drugs as a way to cope with their frustration.
Lack of education: Lack of education is also a significant cause of drug abuse in Nigeria. Many young people who lack education are more likely to turn to drugs.
Peer pressure: Peer pressure is another significant cause of drug abuse in Nigeria. Many young people are pressured by their peers to try drugs.
Lack of Parental Supervision
Emotional and Psychological Stresses
The need for energy to work for longer hours
Availabilities of drugs.
Changes in behavior: Changes in behavior, such as becoming withdrawn or aggressive, can be a symptom of drug abuse.
Changes in physical appearance: Changes in physical appearance, such as weight loss or gain, can be a symptom of drug abuse.
Changes in mood: Changes in mood, such as becoming irritable or anxious, can be a symptom of drug abuse.
Loss of interest in activities: Loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyed can be a symptom of drug abuse.
Sudden weight loss or gain
Usual smells on breath or clothing
Tremors, slurred speech and impair coordination
Careless about personal hygiene and environmental hygiene.
Loss of interest in hobbies or other significant things in their lives.
Types of Transnational Organized Crimes in Nigeria
Human trafficking: Human trafficking is a significant transnational organized crime in Nigeria. Many Nigerians are trafficked to other countries for forced labor or sex.
Arms smuggling: Arms smuggling is another significant transnational organized crime in Nigeria. Many arms are smuggled into Nigeria from other countries, fueling violence and instability.
Drug trafficking: Drug trafficking is a
To be continued ….
Dr. Suleiman Tajudeen is a Director, Clinical Psychology at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi Araba.
Phone: 0803 402 4457
