The Edo State chapter of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), has called on the federal government to ban the open selling of drugs in markets across the country to curb drug abuse, especially by youths.
It expressed worry on the devastating effects of drug abuse on youths and the ease with which drugs were available in the open markets.
The Edo PSN chapter's Chairman, Mr Chris Osagiede, who made the call during an interview with journalists, advocated the need for structured redistribution networks and prescription-only sales to curb drug abuse and trafficking.
He said the call became necessary amid growing concerns about drug abuse and its link to social vices like rape and trafficking.
He lamented that it was only in Nigeria in the whole of Africa that you found drugs sold like tomatoes in the open drug market.
He said, "This is a total aberration from the norm. Drugs are not sold in the open market like tomatoes, because if you do that, miscreants will catch in on the opportunity of having these drugs available."
While commending the closure of open drug markets in Kano, he called for a similar action on Idumota and Onitsha drug markets in Lagos and Anambra respectively.
Osagiede also advocated that drug abuse be introduced in both primary and secondary schools curriculums in the country.
He said, "We need to educate our children about the dangers of drug abuse so that they can make informed decisions. We need to teach them that drug abuse can lead to addiction, health problems, and even death."
