Greater Women Initiative for Health and Rights (GWIHR) met with Mr. Zach Nwaogbe, the Area Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Umuahia, Abia State. This meeting marked a pivotal moment in our ongoing efforts to foster a more compassionate and effective approach to drug policy in Nigeria, particularly for women and girls who use and inject drugs.
The focus of the discussion was clear: building a stronger partnership between GWIHR and NDLEA to prioritize rehabilitation and harm reduction over punitive measures. For too long, drug policies have leaned heavily on punishment, often overlooking the complex realities faced by vulnerable populations—especially women and girls. These individuals are frequently caught in cycles of stigma, marginalization, and systemic neglect, with little access to the support they need to reclaim their lives. Our advocacy visit aimed to shift this narrative and lay the groundwork for meaningful policy reform.
During the meeting, GWIHR emphasized the urgent need for a compassionate approach within NDLEA’s framework. We highlighted how rehabilitation programs, rather than incarceration, can empower women and girls to overcome addiction while addressing the root causes of drug use, such as poverty, trauma, and lack of opportunity. By redirecting efforts toward harm reduction—ensuring access to healthcare, counseling, and community support—we can reduce the devastating impact of drug dependency and create pathways to recovery.
Mr. Zach Nwaogbe listened attentively as we presented evidence of successful harm reduction models from around the world and stressed their relevance to the local context in Abia State. This wasn’t just a conversation about ideals; it was a call to action rooted in practicality and humanity. We urged NDLEA to see women and girls who use drugs not as criminals, but as individuals deserving of dignity and a second chance.
The advocacy visit is part of a broader effort by GWIHR to influence drug policy at both local and national levels. By engaging directly with key decision-makers like Mr. Nwaogbe, we’re working to dismantle outdated approaches and replace them with policies that reflect compassion, equity, and public health principles. This meeting in Umuahia is a stepping stone—one that signals NDLEA’s potential willingness to evolve and collaborate with civil society organizations like ours.
The positive outcomes of this shift could be transformative. Imagine a future where women and girls in Abia State, and beyond, are met with support instead of judgment—where NDLEA officers are trained to connect individuals to rehabilitation services rather than detention centers. Such a change could reduce recidivism, improve community health, and break the cycle of despair that so often accompanies drug use.
While the road to policy reform is long, this advocacy visit represents progress. It’s a testament to the power of dialogue and the importance of persistence in pushing for systemic change. GWIHR remains committed to working alongside NDLEA and other stakeholders to ensure that compassion becomes the cornerstone of drug policy in Nigeria. Together, we can build a system that heals rather than harms—one life, one community at a time.
Funded by ViiV HealthCare
The focus of the discussion was clear: building a stronger partnership between GWIHR and NDLEA to prioritize rehabilitation and harm reduction over punitive measures. For too long, drug policies have leaned heavily on punishment, often overlooking the complex realities faced by vulnerable populations—especially women and girls. These individuals are frequently caught in cycles of stigma, marginalization, and systemic neglect, with little access to the support they need to reclaim their lives. Our advocacy visit aimed to shift this narrative and lay the groundwork for meaningful policy reform.
During the meeting, GWIHR emphasized the urgent need for a compassionate approach within NDLEA’s framework. We highlighted how rehabilitation programs, rather than incarceration, can empower women and girls to overcome addiction while addressing the root causes of drug use, such as poverty, trauma, and lack of opportunity. By redirecting efforts toward harm reduction—ensuring access to healthcare, counseling, and community support—we can reduce the devastating impact of drug dependency and create pathways to recovery.
Mr. Zach Nwaogbe listened attentively as we presented evidence of successful harm reduction models from around the world and stressed their relevance to the local context in Abia State. This wasn’t just a conversation about ideals; it was a call to action rooted in practicality and humanity. We urged NDLEA to see women and girls who use drugs not as criminals, but as individuals deserving of dignity and a second chance.
The advocacy visit is part of a broader effort by GWIHR to influence drug policy at both local and national levels. By engaging directly with key decision-makers like Mr. Nwaogbe, we’re working to dismantle outdated approaches and replace them with policies that reflect compassion, equity, and public health principles. This meeting in Umuahia is a stepping stone—one that signals NDLEA’s potential willingness to evolve and collaborate with civil society organizations like ours.
The positive outcomes of this shift could be transformative. Imagine a future where women and girls in Abia State, and beyond, are met with support instead of judgment—where NDLEA officers are trained to connect individuals to rehabilitation services rather than detention centers. Such a change could reduce recidivism, improve community health, and break the cycle of despair that so often accompanies drug use.
While the road to policy reform is long, this advocacy visit represents progress. It’s a testament to the power of dialogue and the importance of persistence in pushing for systemic change. GWIHR remains committed to working alongside NDLEA and other stakeholders to ensure that compassion becomes the cornerstone of drug policy in Nigeria. Together, we can build a system that heals rather than harms—one life, one community at a time.
Funded by ViiV HealthCare
