NAWOJ Seeks Stigma-Free Reporting on Drug Abuse, Partners NDLEA

The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter, has raised an alarm over the growing trend of drug abuse in the nation’s capital, especially among women and young girls. In a move to tackle the crisis through effective media intervention, the association has called for a strategic partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to promote stigma-free reporting of drug-related issues.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to the chairman of NDLEA, Mohammed Buba Marwa represented by NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, in Abuja, the Chairperson of NAWOJ FCT, Comrade Bassey Ita-Ikpang, highlighted the urgent need for collaboration between the media and anti-drug agencies.

“As women journalists, we are increasingly troubled by the spike in substance abuse cases, especially involving women and girls. These stories often go underreported or are handled in ways that reinforce stereotypes, shame, or fear,” she said.

NAWOJ FCT is proposing a one-day intensive training program for 100 female journalists across the FCT on “How to Report Drug Abuse Without Stigmatization”, aimed at reshaping public narratives and encouraging rehabilitation and support for victims rather than condemnation.

“We believe that through this partnership with NDLEA, we can equip journalists with the tools and language necessary to report drug abuse compassionately and constructively. We are confident that this model can become a national standard for media-agency collaboration on sensitive issues,” Comrade Ita-Ikpang added.

She also commended the NDLEA for its consistent efforts in tackling drug trafficking and abuse, particularly its recent arrests and enlightenment campaigns.

Responding on behalf of the NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), Mr. Femi Babafemi welcomed the initiative and assured NAWOJ FCT of the agency’s full support.

“The statistics are alarming 14.3 million Nigerians abuse illicit substances, which is nearly three times the global average. We know we cannot win this war alone, and that’s why the NDLEA launched the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign,” Babafemi said.

He further pledged to escalate NAWOJ’s proposal to NDLEA’s international and local partners to secure support and funding for the training initiative.

“We recognize the importance of the media in this fight, and we will explore all avenues to make this partnership a reality,” he affirmed.

This collaboration is expected to set a precedent in Nigeria’s public health and media response to drug abuse, prioritizing empathy, prevention, and reintegration over punishment and shame.