By Emmanuella Oghenetega
Through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Federal Government of Nigeria, has reaffirmed its commitment to tackle drug abuse in Nigeria.
Calling also, for an increased investment in prevention strategies, community engagement, and multi-sectoral collaboration.
Making this call and reaffirmation, was the Permanent Secretary of the Health Ministry, Daju Kachollom, represented by the Director Food and Drug Services Department of the Ministry, Olubunmi Aribeana at 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.
The event was 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.
Speaking, the Permanent Secretary, 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.
Also representing the Director Food and Drug Services Department of the Ministry, was the Director Narcotics & Drugs Division, Food & Drug Services Department of the Ministry, Henrietta Bakura-Onyeneke, she highlighted the Ministry’s integrated response, including harm reduction services like needle and syringe programs, MAT, and community-based prevention programs. And, 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 14.4milion 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 include availability of 11 model drug addiction treatment centres and, implementation of prevention approaches such as needle syringe programme.
The Ministerial Briefing will be followed by a grand finale event at the State House Conference Centre today, and will be organized in collaboration with NDLEA and other partners.
