Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling drug abuse in Nigeria with a clarion call for increased investment in prevention strategies, community engagement, and multi-sectoral collaboration. This was contained in a statement signed by Alaba Balogun, Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations.
This declaration was made during a ministerial press briefing held on Tuesday at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Abuja to commemorate the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, themed “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention!”
The Ministry is planning a national summit to convene all stakeholders for a comprehensive dialogue and strategic collaboration aimed at curbing the escalating drug abuse crisis.
Representing the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ms. Daju Kachollom mni, the Director Food and Drug Services Department of the Ministry Pharmacist Olubunmi Aribeana, underscored the urgency of addressing the growing drug menace in Nigeria.
She noted that drug abuse is not only a public health issue but a security, developmental, and human capital challenge threatening the nation’s future.
“The 2018 National Drug Use Survey revealed 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 stated.
The Permanent Secretary’s speech emphasized Nigeria’s alignment with the global fight against drug abuse, first declared by the UN General Assembly in 1987. The Ministry, in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the World Health Organization (WHO), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and civil society partners, is fully committed to implementing evidence-based initiatives such as the Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), which has already been piloted in one of four selected states and will be expanded nationwide.
She further called on all Nigerians, parents, youth leaders, educators, faith-based groups, and the media to join in the fight against drug abuse. “Together, let us build a drug-free Nigeria, where every citizen can thrive in health and dignity,” the Permanent Secretary added.
Speaking on behalf of Aribeana, Pharmacist Henrietta Bakura-Onyeneke Director Narcotics & Drugs Division, Food & Drug Services Department of the Ministry highlighted the Ministry’s integrated response, including harm reduction services like needle and syringe programs, MAT, and community-based prevention programs. She reiterated the need for respectful and non-judgmental approaches that reduce stigma and empower young people.
“In line with the National Drug Control Master Plan (2021–2025), we are committed to expanding access to treatment and rehabilitation, strengthening mental health services, and supporting data-driven policymaking,” she said.
According to the WHO representative, Dr. Alex Gasasiri noted that 14.4 million people in Nigeria use drugs, leading to health conditions such as drug use disorders, mental health conditions, and other medical comorbidities.
He commended the Ministry for its health sector response, which included the availability of 11 model drug addiction treatment centres and implementation of prevention approaches such as the needle syringe programme.
The event also featured goodwill messages from key stakeholders such as the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), represented by its executive team, emphasized the public health and human rights dimensions of drug abuse. Through the Global Fund-supported N-THRIP initiative, IHVN is implementing harm reduction and integrated health services in ten states, focusing on community ownership and sustainability.
“We are not only addressing substance use but also HIV, tuberculosis, hepatitis, gender-based violence, and mental health in an integrated and equitable manner,” IHVN affirmed.
The Ministerial Briefing will be followed by a grand finale event at the State House Conference Centre on June 26, organized in collaboration with NDLEA and other partners.
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