Drug Hawker With Diploma in Law: “My Soldier Parents Taught Me About Drugs”

In a busy street of Victoria Island, Lagos, an unexpected encounter took place. Seidu, a diploma holder in Law from Adamawa State, Nigeria, was found hawking drugs, raising eyebrows and questions about the legality and ethics of his trade. Akindele Opeyemi, on a fact finding engagement for National Health Magazine, took the initiative to engage with Seidu and his colleagues, shedding light on their work and personal story.

Seidu, who had acquired his knowledge of drug sales from his parents, both of whom were in the Nigeria Army, expressed his reasons for venturing into this unconventional profession. He cited a lack of job opportunities as the driving force behind his decision to sell drugs on the street, a choice he had adhered to for six to seven years.

The drugs in Seidu’s possession included Benzhexol, Somnapam, Hyergra, Felgine-20, and Ibucap, among others, which are typically dispensed by licensed pharmacists upon prescription. Seidu, however, asserted that these drugs catered to the needs of the low-income population, offering more affordable options compared to pharmacy prices. He maintained that they operated responsibly by providing the drugs as first aid treatment based on prescription.

Seidu was candid about the illegality of their trade, admitting that they lacked the necessary licences to sell drugs. He acknowledged that if given a good job opportunity, he would willingly abandon this line of work. Interestingly, he revealed that they practised self-regulation within their community of street hawkers, educating and admonishing each other on the dos and don’ts of their business. For example, the drugs found in their possession have not expired. However, some, like Benzhexol and Nitrazepam, were intended for psychiatric patients and specialist use.

Akindele’s findings revealed that despite sporadic arrests, the drug hawking business continues to thrive due to the overwhelming poverty plaguing the country, driving people to seek alternative means of survival.

The encounter with Seidu and his colleagues served as a stark reminder of the socio-economic challenges facing many Nigerians and the difficult choices they make to make ends meet. Akindele’s efforts to educate the victim on the illegality and public safety issues associated with their trade and to offer guidance on the responsible use of medications demonstrate a commitment to improving healthcare practices in Nigeria.

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