Medical experts have raised the alarm over the increasing use of synthetic drugs by Nigerian youths.
They said the trend had increased public health and security concerns in recent times.
The experts spoke at the Second Kwara Stakeholders’ Summit on Drug Abuse, Prevention and Control held in Ilorin, Kwara State.
The summit, organised by the Office of the Special Assistant to the Kwara State Governor on Drug Abuse and Control, was themed: “Synthetic Drug Crisis: United For A Safer Kwara.”
In his presentation titled, “The Neuropsychiatric Consequences of Synthetic Drug Abuse: A Clinical Perspective”, the chief medical director of the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Budo Egba, Kwara State, Dr. Issa Baba, said the country had seen a rise in the production, trafficking and consumption of synthetic drugs, particularly among young people.
He listed examples of synthetic drugs as tramadol, codein cough syrup, methamphetamine (meth), rohypnol, ecstasy, among others.
“These drugs, often cheaper and more accessible than traditional narcotics, pose significant risks to individuals and society,” Baba said.
Baba , who identified corruption within the law enforcement and regulatory agencies as one of the challenges hampering efforts to control drug trade in the country, said that inadequate resources for drug control and rehabilitation programmes also restrict effectiveness.
He said synthetic drug use in Nigeria is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach, including stronger law enforcement, public education, improved funding and improved access treatment and rehabilitation services.
The director general of the National Orientation Agency, Mal. Lanre Issa-Onilu, urged parents to monitor the activities of their children and ward closely in order to protect them from involving in the use of illicit drugs.
He listed the numerous programmes of the agency geared towards making the Nigerian youths useful citizens.
Earlier, the special assistant to Kwara State governor on Drug Abuse, Prevention and Control, Mukail Aileru, disclosed that the state government is committed to tackling the growing menace of drug abuse.
Aileru added that the administration has invested immensely in youth empowerment initiatives that provide alternatives to drugs and crime.
“Some of these investments include the Ilorin Innovation Hub, the Sugar Film Factory, the Garment Factory, and the Kwarapreneur Programme, among others.
“These projects are designed to create employment, foster entrepreneurship, and empower our young people with the necessary skills to build successful
careers. Such initiatives not only secure the economic future of our youth but also steer them away from the dangers of drug abuse.
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