In line with the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Elimination of Drug Abuse, (PACEDA), the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, in synergy with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency,NDLEA on Thursday moved to tackle the menace of drug abuse amongst Seafarers and dockworkers.
Director General of NIMASA Dr. Peterside Dakuku, while declaring open the “Maritime Sector Sensitization Seminar on the Menace of Drug Abuse at the Ports”, said that drug related offences goes beyond port operations.
The NIMASA DG who was represented by the Zonal Coordinator,Engr. Femowei Abel disclosed that the battle against drug abuses will also be taken to the Nigerian public.
He noted that,” NIMASA bring the leading Safety Administrator in the maritime sector considers substance misuse a serious occupational health concern because of the impact on wellbeing and work.
“On the impact on wellbeing the Country cannot afford the hazards that drug misuse can expose the health of Nigerian to especially Seafarers and Dockworkers who are assets to the nation and their families.
” On the impact on work, drug misuse is a grave danger to productivity because it can create absenteeism, accidents at work and can also lead to Security breaches as well as increased crime and criminality.”
Dr. Peterside said the consequences on the wellbeing of maritime workers and maritime workers in the Country with high revenue is a “danger” that President Muhammadu Buhari in wisdom and administrative experience saw well ahead of others.
“We must therefore, commend and support his effort by enjoining everyone in the sector to do everything they can to prevent the misuse of drugs such as alcohol, illicit and some prescription drugs that are addictive, fighting this menace is a health and economic imperative.”
The Delta State Commandant of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency,NDLEA, Mr. Dennis Obiefule advised parents to stay away from drug misuses in the presence of their children.
The NDLEA boss who was represented by Mr. Afore Jeptha Arede, Mrs. Falana Folashade and Imah Emma delivered a lecture wherein they sensitized the maritime workers.