The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to tackling drug abuse through a balanced and evidence-based strategy that combines law enforcement with prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and improved access to essential medicines for patients with legitimate medical needs.
The commitment was restated by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, at the maiden National Drug Use Summit held in Abuja, where stakeholders called for stronger collaboration to address the growing challenge of substance abuse across the country.
Speaking through the Director of the Food and Drug Services Department of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Mrs. Olufowobi-Yusuf Adeola, the minister described drug use as a major public health and development challenge requiring a comprehensive response beyond security measures alone.
Citing findings from the 2018 United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Drug Use Survey, Pate noted that about 14.4 per cent of Nigerians aged between 15 and 64 years had used drugs, with cannabis remaining the most commonly abused substance.
He also highlighted increasing misuse of prescription opioids such as tramadol and codeine, as well as the emergence of new psychoactive substances.
According to him, the rising burden of drug misuse poses serious threats to public health, national security and socio-economic development.
“Drug dependence is a health condition that requires evidence-based prevention, treatment and rehabilitation. It should not be approached solely through punishment and stigma,” the minister stated.
Pate stressed that while government remains committed to curbing illicit drug trafficking and abuse, it must also ensure that patients suffering from severe pain arising from cancer, surgery, sickle cell disease and other medical conditions have access to controlled medicines such as morphine and pethidine.
“Denying patients appropriate pain relief because of concerns over drug diversion is unacceptable. We must strike the right balance between preventing abuse and ensuring access to essential medicines,” he said.
The minister disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare would intensify efforts to strengthen prevention and treatment services by scaling up screening, counselling and referral services for substance use disorders across primary healthcare centres and general hospitals nationwide.
He added that government would expand accredited treatment and rehabilitation centres while training more healthcare workers in medically assisted treatment and recovery programmes.
As part of measures to prevent diversion of narcotic medicines, Pate said the ministry would strengthen accountability across the pharmaceutical supply chain through improved warehouse security, inventory management systems and joint inspections involving regulatory and enforcement agencies.
The minister also pledged deeper collaboration with the ministries responsible for education, youth development and women affairs to promote evidence-based drug prevention programmes in schools and communities.
He commended the Kaduna State Government for its efforts in combating drug abuse and urged state governments to take greater ownership of drug control interventions through increased funding, stronger data systems and investments in rehabilitation services.
Pate further acknowledged the contributions of development partners, civil society organisations, healthcare professionals, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and community stakeholders in addressing substance abuse nationwide.
“The true measure of our success will be seen in fewer young people initiating drug use, more patients receiving effective pain management, restored families and stronger communities,” he said.
Also speaking at the summit, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, represented by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Dr. Abubakar Ibrahim Kana, described the fight against illicit drugs as a collective responsibility requiring the involvement of all sectors of society.
Akume expressed concern over the growing impact of substance abuse on young Nigerians, warning that drug dependence contributes to mental health disorders, family breakdown, school dropouts, unemployment and criminal activities.
“Our young people are our greatest asset. We must protect them from the devastating consequences of drug abuse and trafficking,” he said.
The SGF reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to strengthening mental healthcare, empowering youths, building resilient communities and supporting institutions responsible for addressing emerging social challenges.
In his welcome address, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), described the summit as a timely intervention that aligns with global efforts to address persistent drug challenges through innovative and collaborative approaches.
Marwa said the gathering provided a platform for stakeholders to develop a coordinated national action plan focused on prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, research, data collection and community resilience.
“The outcomes of this summit should include stronger 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,” he said.
The NDLEA chairman urged participants to engage actively in discussions and contribute practical solutions capable of translating policy objectives into measurable results.
Similarly, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, represented by the Director of Narcotics Division, Pharmacist Henrietta Bakura-Onyeneke, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to ensuring that Nigerians have access to essential medicines while strengthening measures to prevent misuse.
“Our goal is to build a health system where no Nigerian suffers needless pain because of lack of access to controlled medicines, and no Nigerian loses his or her future to drug misuse,” she said.
The two-day summit, which attracted policymakers, healthcare experts, development partners, security agencies, civil society groups and international organisations, is expected to produce recommendations aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s drug control framework and reducing the burden of substance abuse across the country.
