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FG Warns Over Youth Drug Abuse
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.
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The Vice Chancellor of Atiba University, Oyo, Professor Sunday Okeniyi, has enjoined the newly employed staff of the institution to develop the spirit of teamwork, respect, and discipline, which are the hallmarks of every successful institution.
Okeniyi disclosed this during the orientation programme for the newly employed staff of the institution.
While welcoming the newly employed staff, he also congratulated them on their successful appointment into the fast-rising institution. “Your joining us today is not by chance, but by merit, commitment, and the will of God. Atiba University is a citadel of learning and character formation, envisioned to nurture and produce men and women of excellence, integrity, and service. By becoming part of this family, you are now co-builders of this noble vision.”
The V-C said the orientation programme was a deliberate initiative of the management to formally integrate the new staff into the University system. “It is designed to give you a clear understanding of our mission, vision, core values, rules, and operational culture. Our goal is not just for you to work here, but for you to thrive, contribute meaningfully, and leave an indelible mark on the growth and transformation of this University.”
He explained that the university places a premium on academic excellence, innovative research, moral uprightness, and community development. These values define the identity and are the standards the staff must all uphold in their respective assignments—whether as academic staff shaping young minds or as non-teaching staff providing essential support services that make our work possible.
While admitting much needed to be done, Okeniyi said the institution has recorded remarkable progress within a short time. “The future we envision—a future of global competitiveness, leadership in innovation and knowledge, and impact within and beyond Nigeria—requires the collective commitment of every member of staff. That includes you. Your dedication, creativity, and professionalism are needed to propel us forward,” he said.
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This Is War, Kill Every Single One Of Them – Fani-Kayode Blows Hot Over Zamfara Mosque Massacre
Former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode has condemned the gruesome murder of five worshippers during an early morning prayer in Yandoto village, Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
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Speaking via his 𝕏 account, he insisted that the killers should be wiped out, adding that there should be no room for discussions or negotiations.
Fani-Kayode asserted that the killers are terrorists not bandits and described their actions as an act of war.
He wrote: “These are not bandits. Pls stop calling them bandits. They are bloodthirsty killers and terrorists and every single one of them should be wiped off the face of the earth.
“If our people cannot worship God in peace then we have nothing. No negotiation, no discussion, no ransom payments, no rehabilitation.
“This is WAR. Kill every single one of them, wipe out their blood line and decimate their communities and abodes. There is no place on earth for those that slaughter innocent civilians.”
Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State has accused Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of failing to address the escalating banditry crisis in the state.
Naija News reports that a deadly attack occurred on Sunday in Oke-Ode, Ifelodun Local Government Area, which left several residents and vigilante members dead.
Speaking via a statement on Monday, the Publicity Secretary of the party, Olusegun Olusola Adewara, described the massacre as “a despicable and senseless act.”
He blamed the governor for the insecurity situation in the state, noting that it is a monumental leadership failure.
Adewara said, “The gruesome videos of the casualties circulating online make it look like Kwara is now at war. Under AbdulRahman’s watch, terror is reigning, kidnappers are taking over rural villages, and nowhere is safe again.”
The opposition party faulted AbdulRazaq’s alleged silence and absence from the affected community, insisting that a responsible leader should have personally visited Oke-Ode to commiserate with victims’ families and give assurances of decisive action.
It further accused the governor of neglecting local vigilantes and security personnel “battling criminals in the bush,” while diverting funds to “footballers and entertainers outside the state.”
The PDP’s criticism comes amid rising concern in Kwara North, where repeated bandit attacks have forced residents to abandon farms, schools, and businesses.
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Nigeria @65: Atiku Knocks Tinubu’s Government In Strongly-Worded Independence Day Message; Details Emerge
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has praised Nigerians for what he described as “uncommon patience, endurance, and resilience despite living under suffocating socio-economic and security conditions”
In his Independence Day message to Nigerians, the opposition leader alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) administration had abandoned Nigerians to their fate
Atiku lamented that Nigerians were enduring pains from “raging insecurity, rising food scarcity, mass unemployment, and a dangerous climate of hopelessness all “compounded by the insensitivity of the APC-led administration
In an Independence Day message released by his media office, obtained by Legit.ng, Atiku lamented that Nigerians are enduring excruciating pains from raging insecurity, rising food scarcity, mass unemployment, and a dangerous climate of hopelessness.
The presidential hopeful accused the Tinubu administration of being insensitive to the plight of Nigerians.
Atiku declared: “It is tragic that in a country blessed with immense human and material resources, millions of our people have been reduced to refugees and beggars in their fatherland. Every responsible government holds the welfare and security of its citizens as supreme. But what we have today is an administration that has abandoned its people. Hunger is killing Nigerians, bandits are massacring communities, yet President Tinubu and his cabinet stand by, unmoved and uncaring.”
Furthermore, Atiku called on citizens not to lose faith, reminding Nigerians that the 2027 election provides a clear opportunity to reject bad leadership and reclaim the promise of a better tomorrow.
He said: “The beauty of democracy lies in the power of the ballot. Oppressed and battered as our people may feel today, they will have the chance to sweep away this inept government at the next polls. That is the power no cabal can take away from the people.”
At 65, Atiku noted, Nigeria remains “a giant moving painfully slow on feet of clay”.
The 78-year-old blamed Nigeria’s condition on “a direct result of decades of poor leadership and wasteful governance.”
He bemoaned: “Yet, he urged Nigerians to keep hope alive, insisting that with the right leadership, the country can still rise from the ashes of failed governance to reclaim its rightful place among the comity of nations.”
PRESS RELEASE
Nigeria @65: @atiku Hails Nigerians’ Courage, Blasts APC Over Economic Strangulation
Former Vice President of Nigeria and Waziri Adamawa, Atiku Abubakar, has paid tribute to the uncommon patience, endurance, and resilience of Nigerians who, despite living under… pic.twitter.com/cPnI9KzxrJ
— Paul Ibe (@omonlakiki) September 30, 2025
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