Nigerian government Rolls Out Free Drug Treatment Program to Curb Addiction

The Federal Government has taken a decisive step in addressing Nigeria’s drug abuse crisis with the launch of a free Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) program targeting individuals struggling with substance use disorders.

READ ALSO:About 14.3 million Nigerians abuse drugs- NAFDAC reveals 

At the flag-off ceremony of the initiative, the Director, Hospital Services at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Salaudeen Jimoh, described the move as a groundbreaking shift from punitive drug policies to a health focused approach.

“With 14.3 million Nigerians battling substance abuse, this is no longer just a social issue it is a full-scale public health emergency,” Jimoh stated. “The government is responding with a comprehensive framework that prioritizes treatment over punishment.”

To drive this agenda, Jimoh announced the implementation of the National Drug Control Master Plan recently signed by President Bola Tinubu, and a Drug Demand Reduction Program** emphasizing harm reduction strategies.

A key component of the initiative is the introduction of free methadone and buprenorphine treatment aimed at helping opioid users break free from addiction.

“These medications will be provided at no cost to patients, thanks to our partners,” Jimoh said. “The pilot phase begins in Gombe State, with plans for a nationwide rollout.”

Beyond medication, the program includes a needle syringe initiative to reduce the risks associated with injection drug use and naloxone distribution to reverse opioid overdoses.

Jimoh emphasized that the government is not criminalizing drug users but offering them a path to recovery.

“We want people to step forward and seek help. Stigma has no place in this new approach”. He said.

He said the Ministry of Health has engaged with the Nigerian Police, Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies to ensure that law enforcement supports treatment efforts rather than criminalizing drug dependency.

“We are training security agencies to distinguish between drug traffickers and individuals in need of rehabilitation”. Jimoh revealed.

He explained that the initiative has also secured backing from international organizations, providing both technical and financial support to sustain the program.

“We are grateful for our global partners, whose contributions are making this life-saving intervention possible”. He added.

Speaking at the event, Gombe State’s Commissioner of Health, Dr. Abu Dahiru, called the initiative a turning point in Nigeria’s battle against drug abuse.

“With young Nigerians aged 25 to 39 at the highest risk, we must act urgently,” Dahiru said. “This program offers real solutions by focusing on rehabilitation, mental health, and community reintegration.”

He noted that Gombe State is committed to sustaining and expanding the initiative, ensuring a structured rehabilitation system that prevents relapse and promotes social reintegration.

With the program now underway, stakeholders are optimistic that Nigeria’s drug abuse crisis can be curbed through evidence-based treatment, not just law enforcement crackdowns.