The Federal Government has raised the alarm over the rising trend of drug abuse in Nigeria, particularly among young people.

Speaking at the commemoration of the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking themed, “The evidence is clear: Invest in prevention,” in Abuja on Wednesday, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, said the government has unveiled a national strategy focused on prevention, treatment, and recovery to address the crisis.

She noted that an estimated 14.6 million Nigerians engaged in non-medical use of substances such as cannabis and tramadol, according to the 2018 National Drug Use Survey.

“As a nation, we are alarmed by the growing trend of drug abuse, especially among our youths.

“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.

“It is worthy of note that drug abuse is not just a health issue; it is also a development, security, and human capital issue. Left unaddressed, it erodes the fabric of our communities, fuels violence and criminality, burdens our healthcare systems, and limits our future as a nation,” she said.

To tackle this growing problem, she stated that the ministry, in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the World Health Organisation, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Civil Society Organisations, and implementing partners, is fully committed to implementing evidence-based strategies for drug prevention, treatment, and recovery.

“On that note, we are happy that the Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) intervention has been rolled out and kickstarted as a pilot in one out of four selected states to be cascaded throughout the country in due time.

“We recognise that no single institution can do it alone. Combating drug abuse requires multi-sectoral collaboration — from health and education to law enforcement, community leadership, faith-based organisations, and most importantly, the families who are often the first to notice the signs of addiction,” she noted.

MAT is the use of medication alongside psychological and social support in the treatment of people who are experiencing issues with their drug use.

The Director of Food and Drug Services at the Ministry, Olubunmi Aribeana, noted that the MAT initiative complements other harm reduction strategies, including the needle and syringe programme.

Aribeana, who was represented by Henrietta Bakura-Onyeneke emphasized the importance of shifting toward respectful, non-judgmental approaches that reduce stigma, support rehabilitation, and empower young people and communities to prevent drug addiction.

She added that opioids such as tramadol, codeine, and morphine continue to pose serious public health challenges, while the increasing non-medical use of amphetamines and cannabis demands urgent, coordinated responses.

Aribeana called on MDAs, civil society, and development partners to consider drug abuse as a major threat requiring a united front.

“The Ministry is set to design interventions to help drug users who face stigma and discrimination while promoting language and attitudes that are respectful and non-judgmental while empowering young people and communities to prevent drug use and addiction,” she said.

Aribeana called on MDAs, civil society, and development partners to consider drug abuse a major threat requiring a united front.

The representative of the World Health Organisation, Dr. Alex Gasasira, commended Nigeria’s multi-sectoral approach to addressing drug abuse, including the rollout of MAT and the establishment of 11 model treatment centres.

He highlighted alarming statistics showing a large treatment gap, with only about 10,000 people able to access care annually despite millions needing support, and emphasised the high risk of HIV and hepatitis among people who inject drugs.

“The consequences of drug use have led to health conditions such as drug use disorders, mental health conditions, and other medical comorbidities,” he said.

Gasasira, however, called for increased investment in prevention, expanded treatment access across all states, long-term recovery programs, and data-driven policies to combat the drug crisis effectively.

He urged the government to scale up multi-sectoral public awareness and prevention programmes on drug and substance abuse, ensure access to model drug treatment centres across all states, implement long-term recovery and social reintegration initiatives for drug users, and prioritise evidence-based policymaking through focused research and data use.

In his goodwill message, the chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brig. Gen Buba Marwa (retd.) reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to strengthening evidence-based prevention, expanding rehabilitation and reintegration services, and protecting vulnerable populations.

Marwa, who was represented by the Assistant Commander, Narcotics at the agency, Mrs. Etukah Chizoba urged all stakeholders, including government bodies, civil society, traditional institutions, and the media, to act in unison and with urgency.

“As we commemorate this important day, we salute all frontline officers, counsellors, educators, health workers, and community leaders who are working tirelessly to create a drug-free society. Your dedication is the light that guides the path toward recovery, resilience, and hope.

“Together, let us reaffirm our commitment to a healthier, safer, and more secure Nigeria, one where our children and communities are protected from the grip of illicit drugs,” he added.

Punchng.com