The Nigerian Senate has commenced efforts to address the significant issue of the thriving illegal drug business in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and other regions of the country. This action was prompted by an investigative report by Trust TV, which exposed numerous illicit drug operations within the FCT.

During a plenary session on Thursday, Senator Suleiman Kawu Sumaila, representing Kano South, brought the urgency of this matter to the Senate's attention, emphasizing that illegal drug dealing has become a menace requiring immediate and comprehensive action. His motion was formally titled, ‘Inside Abuja’s thriving illegal drug empire – A Trust TV undercover investigation: A call for holistic investigation’.

In his motion, Senator Sumaila detailed the dangers associated with illicit drugs and urged the Senate to remain vigilant and unwavering in its legislative and oversight responsibilities to combat this trend. He proposed several key recommendations, beginning with the institution of compulsory drug testing for all individuals seeking elective or appointive public office as a prerequisite for eligibility. Furthermore, he suggested that regulatory agencies should mandate and enforce routine drug testing within the private sector to cultivate a drug-free workforce and promote national health and productivity.

Senator Sumaila also stated that the Senate should commend Trust TV for its courageous and impactful investigative journalism that uncovered the alarming extent of the drug trade in Abuja. He described the exposé as a vital wake-up call and a valuable tool for government action, representing a commendable contribution towards building a healthier, safer, and drug-free society.

Among other significant suggestions, the lawmaker proposed that the Senate convene a national summit dedicated to the issue of drugs. He called for the establishment of a special committee tasked with investigating all findings from the Trust TV undercover report. This committee, he advised, must audit security agencies, track drug seizures, and recommend prosecutions, ensuring its proceedings are transparent while also protecting whistleblowers.

Additionally, Senator Kawu suggested the ‘declaration of a National Synthetic Drug Emergency’. This would prioritize combating potent drugs like ‘Ice’ and similar substances through the establishment of specialised rehabilitation centres and the implementation of school-based prevention programmes. He also advocated for measures to facilitate security sector reform to better address the drug crisis.

However, Senator Sumaila's motion was not debated by the senators immediately following its presentation. At that time, Senate President Godswill Akpabio was addressing students from various schools who were present in the chambers to observe the session, coinciding with Children's Day.

In his address to the students, Senate President Akpabio remarked, “I want to say happy children’s day! What Senator Kawu was speaking about has to do with a report by Trust TV, talking about undercover investigation in the proliferation of drugs and how our children are being influenced by illicit drugs and all sorts of things; how drugs enter into the market and destroy lives and how it increases crime in the country. As you grow up, shun illicit drugs so that they cannot take over your life, lead you astray and put you in the position of collision with law enforcement agencies.”