As part of efforts to standardise operational protocols and strengthen clinical competencies, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has commenced a comprehensive training programme for its counsellors nationwide.
The training, which commenced at the NDLEA Academy, Jos, Plateau State, is being coordinated by the Directorate of Counseling, Treatment and Rehabilitation (DCTR) and brings together over 100 counsellors drawn from the Agency’s formations across the country.
NDLEA stated that the training is in line with global best practices for drug demand reduction.
According to the NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the exercise marks the first Agency-driven capacity-building programme of its kind for NDLEA counsellors in several years.
Babafemi noted that the development has been widely commended by participants as a demonstration of the Agency’s renewed commitment to the professional growth of its counselling workforce.
Speaking at the commencement of Phase 1 of the exercise, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), who was represented by the Director, Counseling, Treatment and Rehabilitation, ACGN Bashir Ibrahim, said that the training was critical to revitalising staff morale and equipping officers with modern therapeutic tools to tackle the evolving complexities of substance use disorders.
Marwa described the training as a reaffirmation of the rehabilitation pillar of the Agency’s mandate and a guarantee that clients across NDLEA facilities receive evidence-based, quality interventions.
He highlighted the key objectives of the training, including harmonising practice through uniform protocols across all state command rehabilitation facilities; enhancing clinical proficiency to address emerging psychoactive substances and co-occurring mental health disorders; and aligning the Agency’s rehabilitation practices with national and international standards.
Others include strengthening ethics, confidentiality and quality assurance; improving data management for evidence-based policymaking; promoting continuous professional development through peer review and clinical supervision; and optimising rehabilitation outcomes by reducing inconsistencies in service delivery.
Marwa pointed out that the initiative highlights the Agency’s commitment to building a resilient, well-equipped counselling workforce capable of responding effectively to the nation’s drug demand reduction needs.
He added that the training is expected to significantly improve the quality of care across NDLEA rehabilitation facilities and reinforce the integrity of Nigeria’s drug treatment and rehabilitation architecture.
He further assured that the Agency will continue to invest in the capacity of its personnel as part of its holistic approach to tackling drug supply and demand reduction in the country.
