Pubdate: Tue, 30 Dec 2003
Source: This Day (Nigeria)
Copyright: 2003 This Day.
Contact:  http://www.thisdayonline.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2870
Author: Iyefu Adoba

SWEDEN DONATES N63M FOR DRUG ABUSE PREVENTION

Abuja

The Swedish Government has donated the sum of N63 million through the 
Swedish International Development Co-operation Agency, (SIDA) to the United 
Nations International Drug Control Programme in Nigeria, (UNDCP).

According to a statement signed by the Deputy Head of Mission of the 
Swedish Embassy in Nigeria, Mr. Fredrike Tamas-Hermelin, the donation is in 
support of the prevention and reduction of drug abuse in Nigeria.

The UNCDP in collaboration with the Federal Government is working with 
Non-Governmental Organisations NGOs to reduce drug problems in Nigeria 
through increased awareness in the treatment and rehabilitation of drug 
addicts.

Presently, there are 10 local treatment and rehabilitation centres in the 
country, which have been earmaked to be upgraded and modernised in order to 
provide regular services to Nigerians hooked, in indiscriminate use of 
drugs according to the statement.

"These services consists amongst others of vocational training, 
income-generating opportunities and economic re-integration in the 
communities."

According to UNDCP, drug problems in Nigeria have gradually been developing 
through different stages, including trafficking, cultivation, abuse and 
drug related crimes.

It said that available data on drug cultivation, trafficking as well as the 
extent, patterns and consequences of drug abuse in Nigeria limited the 
ability to assess the drug situation, planning, programme development and 
advocacy.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens