ECOWAS Hands Over Drug Rehabilitation Centre to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has handed over a drug rehabilitation center to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital in North West Nigeria to enhance drug-related treatments.
Handing over the facility, the Director of Humanitarian and Social Affairs at ECOWAS, Dr. Sintiki Tarfa Ugbe, represented by the Head of the ECOWAS Drug Prevention and Control Division, Dr. Daniel Amankwaah, expressed the commitment of ECOWAS to fostering regional cooperation and providing technical and financial assistance to member states in tackling substance abuse.
He explained that the renovated and equipped facility stands as a symbol of ECOWAS’ shared responsibility to protect public health, promote human dignity, and offer a second chance to those struggling with drug dependence.
He said: “As ECOWAS officially hand over this facility which was funded through ECOWAS own resources, we reaffirm our commitment to expanding access to quality drug treatment services and strengthening the resilience of our communities across West Africa.”
According to him, the ECOWAS Commission, under its drug prevention and control programme launched the support to its Member States to build or renovate their drug treatment centres.
He said: “the project targets all Member States to have at least one national drug treatment centre. So far, 8 centres in 6 Member States have been completed. Additional 12 centres are currently at various stages of construction. In Nigeria, 4 centres have been completed and additional 3 are at various stages.”
He expressed confidence that the facility will contribute to improving social functioning by reducing the harmful effects of substance use and enhancing the quality of life for people who use Drugs (PWUDs).
The Chief Medical Director of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Professor Abdurrahman Abba-Sheshe, while thanking ECOWAS for the projects, described drug addiction and substance abuse as a pandemic that requires the support of the regional body.
He expressed confidence that, the well equipped facility will transform lives of addicts.
“I commend the NDLEA for their efforts in the fight against drug abuse not only in Kano state but the entire country. It requires all to achieve the desired results.”
The Commander of Narcotics National Drugs Laws Enforcement Agency NDLEA Kano State Ahmad Idris informed the gathering that the Kano command successfully counseled and rehabilitated over 100 clients in 2024, representing a 43% increase from 2023, with a significant increase in the campaigns against drug abuse
He noted that, the intensified War Against Drug Abuse WADA activities have contributed to the growth in the rate of client counseling.
“As ECOWAS continues to work towards its vision of a united, prosperous West Africa, its efforts in combating drug addiction will be critical in creating a brighter, healthier future for the region.”
