The House of Representatives on Thursday asked the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on illicit drugs.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion by Rep. Francis Agbo who said the influence of drug addiction was at the base of most crimes, criminalities and indeed criminals.
He urged the government to adequately equip the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and other security agencies to battle the scourge.
Meanwhile, the United States government yesterday assured the NDLEA of more support and collaboration in different areas of its strategic operations to enhance its capabilities in tackling substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria.
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Dr Mark Hove of the Africa and Middle East Office, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, US State Department, gave the assurance in Abuja when he led another top official of the bureau, Craig Nixon on a courtesy visit to NDLEA Chairman Mohamed Buba Marwa.
He commended the NDLEA for its fight against drug abuse.
Responding, Marwa thanked the INL for its support to the NDLEA.
By Itodo Daniel Sule & Abbas Jimoh
