As Nigeria joins the global community in commemorating the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26, it is time to pause and reflect — not just on how far we’ve come, but on how much further we must go to overcome one of the most insidious public health threats of our generation.
For over 20 years, Nigeria has grappled with the relentless spread of drug abuse, a crisis that has become increasingly complex and devastating. What began in the shadows — with limited cannabis use — has morphed into a full-blown national emergency marked by the widespread abuse of opioids, stimulants, and dangerous street cocktails. With over 14 million current users and projections pointing to 20 million by 2030, the time for token responses is over. Nigeria needs a strategic, prevention-led, and health-centered approach to halt this alarming trajectory.
Between 2005 and 2018, drug use in Nigeria more than doubled the global average, reaching 14.4% of the adult population. That figure has since worsened. Investigations, such as the BBC’s Sweet Sweet Codeine, peeled back the curtain on widespread codeine abuse, leading to government bans and heightened scrutiny. But even with crackdowns and seizures, illicit alternatives like “Monkey Tail,” methamphetamine, and tramadol-laced concoctions have continued to flourish, often outside the reach of regulators.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has carried out commendable enforcement campaigns under its revitalized leadership since 2021. In just four years, the agency seized nearly 10 million kilograms of drugs, arrested over 57,800 suspects, secured more than 10,000 convictions, and rehabilitated or counseled over 22,000 individuals. NDLEA’s aggressive raids and international collaborations have disrupted major drug networks and destroyed thousands of hectares of cannabis farms.
Yet, despite these efforts, the streets remain flooded. The demand for drugs continues to outpace the state’s ability to intercept supply.
Why? Because enforcement — while necessary — addresses the symptoms, not the disease.
Obstacles in the Fight have been identified to include the following;
Firstly, underdeveloped Treatment Infrastructure which Nigeria’s public rehab capacity remains woefully inadequate. Only a handful of government-supported centers exist — many are underfunded, understaffed, or concentrated in urban areas, leaving rural communities completely exposed.
Secondly is lack of Harm Reduction Policies. Unlike many countries that have adopted evidence-based harm reduction strategies like opioid substitution therapy or needle-exchange programs, Nigeria still leans heavily on punitive models, deterring users from seeking help.
Thirdly,is stigma and Gender Bias. Cultural and religious taboos mean most drug users suffer in silence. The problem is compounded for women, who make up less than 5% of those receiving treatment. Shame, fear of social rejection, and institutional neglect discourage them from stepping forward.
Fourthly is Poor Data and Surveillance. The last major national drug use survey was in 2018. Without regular, robust data, policymaking is often reactive and misaligned with ground realities.
Fifthly is youth Vulnerability. The youth — aged 15 to 35 — are the hardest hit. In places like Kano, drug prevalence is as high as 16%. Across urban slums and peri-urban communities, young Nigerians are turning to drugs in response to poverty, unemployment, peer pressure, and psychological distress.
Of all measures engaged in the fight against illicit drugs in the past two decades, prevention has remained the least prioritized and the missing pillar.
If enforcement is the sword, then prevention must be the shield.
Unfortunately, Nigeria’s drug response has underinvested in the latter. While the National Drug Control Master Plan (2015–2025) provided a roadmap integrating prevention, enforcement, treatment, and monitoring, implementation has been uneven — particularly on the prevention front.
A few bright spots exist. School-based programs like UNPLUGGED now reach over 110 federal unity schools. Community outreach initiatives have also expanded under NDLEA’s Drug Demand Reduction efforts. But this is still a drop in the ocean.
To reverse the drug tide, Nigeria must pivot urgently to a public health approach that places prevention, education, and rehabilitation at the core:
Scale Up Community-Based Prevention Programs
Grassroots sensitization should be intensified through faith-based organizations, youth centers, traditional rulers, and civil society groups.
Programs tailored to local realities — especially in high-prevalence zones — must be prioritized.
Expand School-Focused Education
Drug education should become part of the national school curriculum, not an extracurricular option.
Peer-to-peer education models, backed by digital tools, can help demystify drug myths and equip students with resilience skills.
Establish Comprehensive Harm Reduction Strategies
Introduce needle exchange, safe injection sites, and medically assisted treatments like methadone therapy — particularly in high-risk communities.
Collaborate with global health agencies to implement WHO-recommended harm reduction frameworks.
Increase Access to Rehabilitation and Psychosocial Support
At least one well-equipped drug treatment and mental health center should exist in every state, with mobile clinics in underserved areas.
We also advocate for the training of more addiction counselors, psychologists, and social workers to manage rising cases.
Strengthen Surveillance, Data, and Research
Conduct national drug use surveys every five years.
Create a national observatory for drug trends to inform early warning systems and responsive policymaking.
Fight Stigma and Promote Gender-Inclusive Care
Launch mass campaigns to challenge the stigma around drug addiction, with targeted messaging for women.
Encourage media to report on recovery success stories and not just arrests.
The war on drugs in Nigeria can no longer rely on arrests and seizures alone. These methods, while critical, do not prevent first-time use, nor do they help users heal.
The true measure of progress will be when fewer Nigerians; especially youths, find themselves turning to drugs in the first place.
This will require bold leadership, smart investments, and a coordinated national effort that prioritizes prevention, treatment, and dignity.
If Nigeria is to win this war, it must stop treating drug abuse as a criminal issue and start recognizing it as a public health emergency; one that demands empathy, innovation, and, above all, prevention.
