Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to implementing a balanced, evidence-based and human-centred approach to drug control that integrates public health, security, prevention, treatment and access to essential controlled medicines for patients with legitimate medical needs. This was contained in a statement signed by Ado Bako, Assistant Director, Information, and Public Relations.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, CON, made this known in a keynote address delivered on his behalf by the Director, Food and Drug Services Department, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Mrs. Olufowobi-Yusuf Adeola, at the Maiden National Drug Use Summit, held on 8th–9th July, 2026, at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.
He described drug use in Nigeria as a complex public health and development issue, citing findings from the 2018 United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) survey, which showed that 14.4 per cent of Nigerians aged 15 to 64 had used drugs, with cannabis remaining the most commonly used substance alongside increasing misuse of prescription opioids such as tramadol and codeine, as well as emerging psychoactive substances.
According to him, the rising burden of drug misuse has significant implications for public health, national security, and socio-economic development, stressing that the country must adopt comprehensive strategies that go beyond law enforcement.
The Minister, however, noted that while efforts to curb illicit drug use must continue, government also has a responsibility to ensure that patients suffering from severe pain due to cancer, surgery, sickle cell disease and other medical conditions have access to controlled medicines such as morphine and pethidine.
He stressed that denying patients appropriate pain relief because of concerns over drug diversion was unacceptable, adding that the government would continue to pursue policies that balance effective drug control with access to essential medicines.
Professor Pate stated that while security agencies would continue supply reduction efforts, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare would lead demand reduction through prevention, treatment and rehabilitation, emphasizing that addiction is a medical condition requiring evidence-based care rather than stigma or punishment alone.
He said the Ministry would also strengthen the health system response by scaling up screening, brief intervention and referral services for substance use disorders across primary healthcare centres and general hospitals, while expanding accredited treatment and rehabilitation centres and training more health workers in medically assisted treatment.
The Minister further disclosed that government would enhance accountability across the pharmaceutical supply chain by securing warehouses holding narcotic medicines, deploying inventory management systems and strengthening joint inspections with regulatory and enforcement agencies to ensure every controlled medicine is accounted for from procurement to patient use.
He added that the Ministry would deepen collaboration with the Ministries responsible for Education, Youth and Women Affairs to promote evidence-based drug prevention programmes in schools and communities while reducing stigma to encourage people living with substance use disorders to seek treatment without fear of discrimination.
Professor Pate while commending Kaduna State Government for its efforts in addressing drug abuse, also urged state governments to take ownership of drug control interventions by strengthening data systems, funding state-specific response plans and investing in treatment and rehabilitation services alongside enforcement.
The Minister also appreciated the support of international development partners, policymakers, civil society organisations, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and community stakeholders, noting that addressing drug use requires sustained collaboration across all sectors.
He emphasized that the true measure of the summit’s success would be reflected in fewer young people initiating drug use, more patients receiving effective pain management, restored families, and stronger communities committed to preventing substance abuse.
Professor Muhammad Ali Pate reaffirmed that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare remains committed to providing leadership, coordination, and partnership in building a healthier and drug-free Nigeria.
Speaking as the Special Guest of Honour at the Maiden National Drug Use Summit in Abuja, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, CON, represented by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Dr. Abubakar Ibrahim Kana, said the fight against illicit drugs is a collective responsibility that requires the commitment of government institutions, communities, families, healthcare providers, security agencies, civil society organisations, faith-based groups, the private sector, and international partners.
He noted that substance use disorders continue to inflict devastating consequences on individuals, families, and communities, including increasing cases of mental illness, family disintegration, disrupted education, unemployment, and criminal activities. He expressed particular concern over the growing impact on young Nigerians, describing them as the nation’s greatest asset and future.
The SGF reaffirmed the commitment of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to promoting mental health, strengthening healthcare systems, empowering young people, building resilient communities, and reinforcing institutions responsible for addressing emerging social challenges.
Senator Akume expressed confidence that the summit would provide a renewed framework for coordinated national action and deepen partnerships among stakeholders committed to safeguarding present and future generations from the devastating effects of illicit drug use and trafficking.
Presenting his welcome remarks, the Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Brigadier -General, Muhammad Buba Marwa (Rtd), described the summit as timely and necessary, reiterating that it aligns with the global call to confront persistent drug challenges with innovative, collaborative responses and as well offers a unique opportunity to build consensus around a coordinated national action plan that strengthens prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, data collection, policy implementation and community resilience.
He charged participants to engage actively and candidly in their deliberations, share experiences, exchange ideas, examine the evidence, and identify practical solutions that translate into meaningful action. He hoped that the outcomes of the summit include strengthening institutional collaboration, actionable policy recommendations, and a renewed national commitment to protecting our citizens, especially our young people, from the devastating effects of drug abuse.
Buba Marwa expressed confidence that through partnership, shared responsibility and sustained commitment the burden of drug use can significantly be reduced and build a healthier, safer and more prosperous Nigeria fully in tandem with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President.
In her goodwill message, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare Daju Kachollom S. mni, represented by Director, Narcotics Division, Pharmacist Henrietta Bakura-Onyeneke, said the Ministry is committed to building a health system where no Nigerian suffers needless pain due to lack of access, and no Nigerian loses his/ her future to drug misuse.
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