The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has launched a nationwide training programme for its counselors as part of efforts to improve the quality and consistency of drug treatment and rehabilitation services across Nigeria.
The first phase of the capacity-building exercise is being held at the NDLEA Academy in Jos, Plateau State, with more than 100 counselors drawn from the agency’s formations across the country taking part.
The programme is being coordinated by the Directorate of Counseling, Treatment and Rehabilitation (DCTR) and is designed to strengthen the professional and clinical skills of counselors while bringing rehabilitation practices in line with national and international standards.
The training represents one of the agency’s major counselor-focused capacity development initiatives in recent years.
Speaking at the opening of the programme, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), said the initiative was necessary to equip counselors with the knowledge and modern therapeutic approaches required to address the changing nature of substance use disorders.
Marwa, who was represented by the Director of Counseling, Treatment and Rehabilitation, ACGN Bashir Ibrahim, said the programme would also help improve staff morale and strengthen the agency’s rehabilitation system.
According to him, a major focus of the exercise is to establish uniform counseling procedures across NDLEA rehabilitation facilities in the various state commands.
He said the training would also equip counselors to deal more effectively with emerging psychoactive substances and cases involving substance use alongside mental health disorders.
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Other areas covered by the programme include professional ethics, confidentiality, quality assurance, data management and the use of evidence to guide treatment and policy decisions.
Marwa said the agency also intends to use the training to promote continuous professional development through peer reviews and clinical supervision.
He explained that harmonising service delivery would help reduce inconsistencies among rehabilitation facilities and ultimately improve treatment outcomes for people receiving care.
“The initiative underscores the Agency’s commitment to building a resilient, well-equipped counseling workforce capable of responding effectively to the nation’s drug demand reduction needs,” Marwa said.
The NDLEA chairman added that improving the skills of counselors would have a direct impact on the quality of services available to clients in the agency’s rehabilitation centres.
He said the programme would strengthen the overall integrity of Nigeria’s drug treatment and rehabilitation framework while supporting the country’s broader response to substance abuse.
The agency said the training is part of its wider strategy to tackle drug abuse from both the supply and demand sides.
Marwa further assured that the NDLEA would continue investing in the professional development of its personnel to ensure that officers and specialists involved in drug prevention, treatment and rehabilitation are adequately equipped to meet emerging challenges.
The training is expected to continue as the agency expands the programme to reach more counselors and strengthen rehabilitation services across the country.
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