The Nigerian government has expressed concern over the alarming increase in drug abuse, stating that it has reached epidemic proportions and requires the collective efforts of all stakeholders to address. This declaration was made by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health, Olufunso Adebiyi, during a press conference held in Abuja to commemorate the ‘2023 International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.’
Adebiyi, represented by the Director of Food and Drugs Services, Mrs. Olubunmi Aribeana, emphasized that drug trafficking and use pose not only a threat to national security, governance, and development, but also to the health of the population. While acknowledging the importance of supply reduction strategies and law enforcement efforts in reducing access to illicit drugs, he stressed the need for innovative drug demand reduction strategies to complement these measures. Adebiyi highlighted the significance of an all-inclusive and integrated approach that addresses both drug supply and demand reduction, in line with the three UN International Conventions on Drug Control.
Referring to the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, Adebiyi revealed that drug use in Nigeria was estimated to be at a concerning 14.4 percent. This translates to approximately 14.3 million people aged 15 to 64 who use drugs such as cannabis, amphetamines, tramadol, codeine, and cocaine. The prevalence in Nigeria is more than twice the global average of 5.6 percent among adults. The survey also indicated that 376,000 individuals were identified as high-risk drug users, with one in every five people injecting drugs. This amounts to an estimated 80,000 People Who Inject Drugs (PWID) in Nigeria.
The majority of those injecting drugs were men, with the most commonly injected substances being pharmaceutical opioids (such as tramadol, codeine, or morphine), cocaine, heroin, and tranquilizers. The survey further revealed that one in four drug users in Nigeria was a woman, and one in five persons who had used drugs in the past year was suffering from drug use disorders. Additionally, people who inject drugs are at a heightened risk of contracting HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and viral hepatitis B and C, as highlighted by the 2020 World Drug Report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). This puts them at increased risk of overdose-related deaths, with psychoactive drug use alone responsible for over 450,000 deaths annually, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2015.
Adebiyi emphasized that the statistics represent real people who are suffering from the devastating effects of drug abuse. Besides the health consequences, including infectious diseases, addiction, and opioid overdoses, drug abuse also has profound negative effects on relationships, families, and communities. It hinders individuals from achieving educational success, stable employment, financial security, and a life free from violence and crime. Adebiyi called for a proactive healthcare system to provide necessary treatment, addressing barriers such as stigma and discrimination, while also strengthening prevention efforts, early detection measures, and essential harm reduction services.
The Federal Government, alongside other stakeholders, has made significant efforts to combat drug use and abuse in Nigeria. These initiatives include the establishment of the National Technical Working Group on Harm Reduction Services, the implementation of the National Policy for Controlled Medicines, and the upgrade of 11 hospitals as Model Drug Treatment Centres across the six geo-political zones of the country, with the support of the UNODC.
The theme of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, ‘People First: Stop Stigma and Discrimination, Strengthen Prevention,’ aims to raise awareness about the importance of treating individuals who use drugs with respect and empathy. It underscores the need for evidence-based, voluntary services that prioritize prevention and approach the issue with compassion. These efforts align with the goal of offering alternatives to punishment and achieving drug-free societies.
In conclusion, the rising epidemic of drug abuse in Nigeria demands urgent action and collaboration. The government, healthcare professionals, non-governmental organizations, and the public must work together to address this pressing issue and provide support to those affected by drug abuse. By treating individuals with dignity and fostering a comprehensive approach that combines prevention, treatment, and harm reduction, Nigeria can make significant strides in curbing this menace and ensuring the well-being and development of its people.
