HEALTH TALK: Why youths indulge in drug abuse, organised crimes(Part 2)
...Tips for parents
By Suleiman Tajudeen
…Continue from last week
CITIZENS COMPASS — significant transnational organized crime in Nigeria. Many drugs are trafficked into Nigeria from other countries, fueling drug abuse and addiction.
Money laundry
Smuggling of migrants
Organ trafficking
Wildlife and cultural property trafficking
Sea piracy, aircraft hijacking, theft of international properties.
Major Causes of Transnational Crimes in Nigeria
Corruption: Corruption is a significant cause of transnational crimes in Nigeria. Many government officials and law enforcement agents are corrupt, making it easy for transnational crimes to thrive.
Poverty: Poverty is another significant cause of transnational crimes in Nigeria. Many Nigerians are driven to crime by poverty and lack of opportunities.
Lack of effective law enforcement: Lack of effective law enforcement is another significant cause of transnational crimes in Nigeria. Many law enforcement agents lack the training and resources needed to effectively combat transnational crimes.
Geostrategic position of country concern (i.e. Nigeria share borders with other African countries)
Issues of inequality in the country
Social mobility.
Prevention of Drug Abuse and Transnational Crimes in Nigeria
Education: Education is key to preventing drug abuse and transnational crimes in Nigeria. Many Nigerians lack education, making them vulnerable to drug abuse and transnational crimes.
Job creation: Job creation is another way to prevent drug abuse and transnational crimes in Nigeria. Many Nigerians are driven to crime by poverty and lack of opportunities.
Effective law enforcement: Effective law enforcement is necessary to prevent transnational crimes in Nigeria. Many law enforcement agents lack the training and resources needed to effectively combat transnational crimes.
Stringent punishment to sellers and buyers
Parents should care for their children’s needs such as physical needs and adequate supervision.
Provision of rehabilitation centre for the affected youth.
Training of personnel that will care for the affected youth like clinical psychologists, school counselors and other mental health workers.
Increase numbers of security personnel in NDLEA and provide necessary facilities for them to work with.
Provide homes for homeless youths, orphans and widows that are in need of essential social services.
Organizing teachings, seminars, workshops, etc to educate youths on the dangers of drug abuse.
Effects of Transnational Organized Crimes in Nigeria
Violence and instability: Transnational organized crimes have contributed to violence and instability in Nigeria.
Economic instability: Transnational organized crimes have also contributed to economic instability in Nigeria.
Social problems: Transnational organized crimes have contributed to social problems, such as drug abuse and addiction.
It can lead to poor developmental programmes in the society.
It leads to high level of corruption
Racketeering and violence are common in the society concerned.
It constitutes threat to government of the day
It can affect both national and international societies
Violations of law and norms of the society are common phenomena in the states concerned.
It can lead to extortion that will tend to affect the economic situation in the society.
Dr.Suleiman Tajudeen is a Director, Clinical Psychology at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi Araba.
Phone: 0803 402 4457
