NDLEA Trains 100 Counsellors for Substance Abuse Treatment

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has commenced a nationwide training program for over 100 counsellors to enhance treatment practices for substance use disorders in Nigeria. The training, which began at the NDLEA Academy in Jos, Plateau State, is coordinated by the Directorate of Counselling, Treatment and Rehabilitation (DCTR).

This initiative marks the first major capacity-building exercise for counsellors in several years, aiming to harmonize counselling practices and standardize operational protocols in line with national and international standards for drug demand reduction. Brig. General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, represented by ACGN Bashir Ibrahim, emphasized the training's role in reaffirming the rehabilitation component of the agency's mandate.

The program will also focus on improving data management for evidence-based policymaking and enhancing continuous professional development among counsellors. The NDLEA aims to improve rehabilitation outcomes and build a resilient counselling workforce to address Nigeria's drug demand reduction needs.