Federal Gov’t Decries Rising Drug Abuse

As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to commemorate the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, also known as World Drug Day, the federal government has called for urgent, collective investment in drug abuse prevention.

The permanent secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, called on Tuesday at a press briefing in Abuja to commemorate the 2025 World Drug Day.

She emphasised that drug abuse is not only a personal tragedy but also a national development challenge, posing serious threats to public health, security, and the nation’s future.

Citing the 2025 World Drug Day theme, “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention,” Daju said, “As a nation, we are alarmed by the growing trend of drug abuse, especially among our youth. The 2018 National Drug Use Survey reported that approximately 14.6 million Nigerians had engaged in non-medical use of drugs such as cannabis and tramadol. This represents one of the highest rates in West Africa and is a clarion call for coordinated and sustained action.”

She stressed that the fight against drug abuse must go beyond treatment to include strong prevention strategies and multi-sectoral collaboration. “The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, in partnership with UNODC, WHO, NDLEA, and civil society organisations, is committed to implementing evidence-based approaches to prevention, treatment, and recovery,” she stated.

The Permanent Secretary also announced the rollout of the Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) programme as a pilot in one of four selected states, with plans for nationwide scale-up. She called on all stakeholders, parents, educators, religious leaders, traditional rulers, and the media to play active roles in prevention efforts.

In addition, the Director of Food and Drug Services at the Ministry of Health spoke at the event. Olubunmi Aribeana warned that the country continues to witness alarming levels of non-medical drug use, particularly among young people. “In 2017 alone, an estimated 10.8 million Nigerians used cannabis, while 4.6 million used opioids for non-medical purposes,” she said.

She stressed the need for destigmatising addiction and prioritising rehabilitation through respectful, non-judgmental language and attitudes, while empowering communities to prevent drug use.

In his goodwill message, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd), chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), represented by an NDLEA official, said the agency remains committed to promoting science-based prevention and strengthening reintegration efforts.

“This year’s theme is a powerful reminder that enforcement alone is not enough; we need education, early intervention, and community support,” he said, urging all sectors to act in synergy to create a drug-free Nigeria.

World Drug Day is observed on 26 June each year to promote action and strengthen global cooperation in combating drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

The Acting Country Representative of the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Nigeria, Dr. Alex Gasasira, praised Nigeria’s multi-sectoral efforts through the National Drug Control Master Plan (2021–2025). He cited the rollout of Medication-Assisted Treatment, 11 model drug treatment centres, and harm-reduction strategies like the needle and syringe program as key progress indicators.

Dr. Gasasira warned, however, that global and national statistics remain concerning. “Globally, 292 million people used drugs in the past year. In Nigeria, while 14.4 million people use drugs, the country can only treat about 10,000 annually,” he said, citing the NENDU report (2023). He also noted a high prevalence of HIV and hepatitis among injection drug users in Nigeria.

He called for broader public awareness, improved treatment access in all 36 states and the FCT, and the inclusion of long-term recovery and reintegration support programs.

The press briefing is part of World Drug Day activities, culminating in a grand finale event on Wednesday, June 26, at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja.