Nigeria, with a population of over 200 million people, has been facing a challenge of drug abuse with the problem becoming a major concern for the government, health care professionals, and the general public. BLESSING OKOLA, in this report, examines the govt’s efforts in tackling the menace.
Drug abuse is a growing concern in Nigeria, with far-reaching consequences for individuals, families, and communities, with numerous factors contributing to its alarming rise. At the heart of this issue are several underlying causes that have led many Nigerians, especially young people, down the path of addiction.
Poverty, unemployment as tools for the vulnerable
Two of the primary causes of drug abuse in Nigeria is poverty and unemployment. Many young people in the country are idle and unemployed, making them vulnerable to the allure of drugs. Without stable income or meaningful occupation, these individuals often find themselves with ample time to indulge in substance abuse.
Education, awareness
Another significant factor contributing to drug abuse is the lack of education and awareness about its dangers. Many Nigerians are unaware of the risks associated with drug abuse, leading to experimentation and eventual addiction. This knowledge gap has created a fertile ground for drug abuse to thrive.
Social pressure, mental health issues
Social pressure, particularly peer pressure and social media influence, also plays a substantial role in the rise of drug abuse among young people. The desire to fit in or feel accepted can lead individuals to experiment with drugs, often with devastating consequences. Furthermore, mental health issues such as depression and anxiety have driven some people to turn to drugs as a coping mechanism, exacerbating the problem.
As Nigeria grapples with the challenges of drug abuse, it is essential to address these underlying causes by providing education and awareness, creating employment opportunities, and supporting mental health initiatives, we can hope to stem the tide of this alarming trend and build a healthier, more resilient society.
To address this issue, a multi-faceted approach is needed, including education and awareness, counseling and rehabilitation, job creation and employment, strengthening law enforcement, and community-based initiatives. By working together, we can reduce the prevalence of drug abuse in Nigeria and create a healthier, safer, and more prosperous society for all.
Earlier, The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, says no fewer than 14.3 million Nigerians are victims of drug abuse.
The Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, stated this at the inaugural ceremony of the agency’s youth programme, tagged, “Catch Them Young,” held at the Government Secondary School, Rumuokwuta, Port Harcourt, on Wednesday.
She said research findings showed that one out of every four high-risk drug users had been arrested for drug-related offences.
According to her, the arrests included 73 per cent for drug possession, 12 per cent for theft, five per cent for sex work, four per cent for burglary, and two per cent for shop lifting.
“Note that this data only shows the number of arrests; if we consider that most crimes are unreported, then we will see that we have a huge problem on our hands,” she said.
Adeyeye, however, noted the negative effects of drug abuse on families, society, and the nation’s socio-economic development.
She pointed out that the situation caused NAFDAC to initiate a comprehensive, coordinated, and intensive programme, designed to reduce the prevalence of drug abuse among secondary school students.
Govt’s measures
The Federal Government has taken a decisive step in addressing the menace of drug abuse with the launch of a free Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) programme targeting individuals struggling with substance use disorders.
At the flag-off ceremony of the initiative, the Director, Hospital Services at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Salaudeen Jimoh, described the move as a “groundbreaking shift” from punitive drug policies to a health focused approach.
He said, “With 14.3 million Nigerians battling substance abuse, this is no longer just a social issue; it is a full-scale public health emergency. The government is responding with a comprehensive framework that prioritises treatment over punishment.”
To drive this agenda, Jimoh announced the implementation of the National Drug Control Master Plan recently signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; this also includes a Drug Demand Reduction Programme emphasising harm reduction strategies.
A key component of the initiative is the introduction of free methadone and buprenorphine treatment aimed at helping opioid users break free from addiction.
“These medications will be provided at no cost to patients, thanks to our partners,” Jimoh said further.
He disclosed that the pilot phase begins in Gombe state, with plans for a nationwide rollout, saying that beyond medication, the programme includes a needle syringe initiative to reduce the risks associated with injection drug use and naloxone distribution to reverse opioid overdoses.
Jimoh emphasised that the government “is not criminalising drug users, but offering them a path to recovery,” adding that, “We want people to step forward and seek help. Stigma has no place in this new approach.”
He said the Ministry of Health has engaged with the Nigerian Police, Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies to ensure that law enforcement supports treatment efforts rather than criminalising drug dependency.
“We are training security agencies to distinguish between drug traffickers and individuals in need of rehabilitation.”
He explained that the initiative has also secured backing from international organisations, providing both technical and financial support to sustain the programme.
According to Jimoh, “We are grateful for our global partners, whose contributions are making this life-saving intervention possible.”
Speaking at the event, Gombe state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abu Dahiru, called the initiative a turning point in Nigeria’s battle against drug abuse.
“With young Nigerians aged 25 to 39 at the highest risk, we must act urgently,” Dahiru said, adding, “This programme offers real solutions by focusing on rehabilitation, mental health, and community reintegration.”
He added that Gombe state was committed to sustaining and expanding the initiative, ensuring a structured rehabilitation system that prevents relapse and promotes social reintegration.
Experts are of the opinion that with the programme now underway, stakeholders are optimistic that Nigeria’s drug abuse crisis can be curbed through evidence-based treatment, not just law enforcement crackdowns.
The medication, methadone, is part of a comprehensive treatment program that includes psychosocial support, counselling, and empowerment.
Jimoh, in an interview with journalists, said the survey’s outcome underscores the gravity of drug use in Nigeria, categorising it as a serious public health problem.
“The programme aims to provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals struggling with opioid addiction to receive treatment and reintegrate into society.
“The initiative is a result of a collaborative effort between the Nigerian government, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and other stakeholders,” he said.
Jimoh said the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), supported Nigeria in 2018 to conduct a survey and it shows that 14.3 million Nigerians use substances. It means Nigerians have serious public health that needs to be tackled urgently.
He further stated that President Bola Tinubu has signed the National Drug Control Master Plan and also the Ministry of Health established a drug demand reduction programme, focusing on harm reduction strategies.
“Drug use can be in so many ways. It can be through the mouth. It can be through injection. Unfortunately, the use of drugs, injection can cause trauma, overdose and sudden death.”
Jimoh stressed the importance of collaboration between government agencies, health care providers, and law enforcement to ensure the success of the programme.