Experts express concern over growing youths involvement in drug abuse

Some public health experts have expressed concern over the rising cases of youths’ involvement in drug abuse, urging the media to prioritise awareness to combat the problem.

 

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The experts bared their minds during a one-day media sensitisation programme organised by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in collaboration with Youth Rise, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) on Tuesday in Abuja.

The theme of the event is, “Public Health Approach to Drug Control Response in Nigeria.’’

Mr Henry Okiwu of Youth Rise, said that the escalating drug abuse crisis required a comprehensive approach integrating awareness, education and community involvement to safeguard the well-being and future of Nigerian youths.

“The statistics are alarming, with over three million young Nigerians involved in substance abuse.

“This crisis devastates families and poses significant risks to national security, economic development and social cohesion,” Okiwu said.

Dr Chukwuma Anyaike, Director of Public Health, FMOH, advocated for a public health-oriented approach to drug control in Nigeria.

Anyaike underscored the urgent need for a comprehensive legal framework to address drug use through a balanced, evidence-based strategy.

He highlighted the high prevalence of drug use in the country, citing that 14.4 per cent of the population, or approximately 14.3 million people, were affected.

He pointed out the significant health implications, especially for vulnerable groups, including women and individuals with substance use disorders.

“The current focus on supply reduction has resulted in inadequate access to treatment and prevention services, contributing to public health challenges such as increased rates of HIV, TB, and hepatitis among people who inject drugs,” he said.

He encouraged Nigeria to align with international frameworks such as the United Nations General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) 2016 and the African Union Plan of Action, while adopting the World Health Organisation’s public health approach.

“This approach includes the prevention of drug use, treatment and care for individuals with substance use disorders, harm reduction strategies, access to controlled medications and ongoing monitoring and evaluation,” he said.

He said that tackling Nigeria’s drug epidemic required an integrated, multidisciplinary and collaborative approach, incorporating public health, legal and social welfare frameworks.

Dr Ganiyu Jamiyu, Chief Consultant Epidemiologist at FMOH, acknowledged drug abuse as a global issue that affects various sectors, including music, academia, athletics and communities impacted by insecurity.

Jamiyu presented the ministry’s proposed dual approach, saying that drug users should be treated as patients rather than criminals, while drug suppliers should be aggressively prosecuted.

He also called for harsher penalties for drug suppliers, suggesting potential life imprisonment as a deterrent against the illegal drug trade.

However, he highlighted challenges in enforcement due to systemic corruption, which allows contraband to pass through borders undetected.

This health-centred framework aims at reducing stigma and encouraging individuals struggling with substance abuse to seek help without fear of legal repercussions.

“Statistics from the 2018 survey on drug use in Nigeria, conducted with the National Bureau of Statistics, will provide data-backed context to the scale of the problem,” he said.

He urged the media to continue reporting on, and advocating for stronger drug policies, alongside support for public health initiatives aimed at addressing this pressing issue.

Earlier, Mr Nonso Maduka, a Consultant with YouthRise Nigeria, said that developing a comprehensive legal framework focused on health rather than punishment could better protect individuals, families and communities.

Maduka underscored the workshop’s core purpose: advocating for a shift from punitive to health-centred approaches in drug policy, which aims to improve public health outcomes and support affected individuals and communities.

He advocated for an evidence-based approach to drug issues that balanced criminal justice with health-focused interventions, such as drug demand reduction, harm reduction and access to medications.

“Understanding underlying causes, such as pain management needs and rural challenges, is essential for developing effective, compassionate and comprehensive responses that prioritise public health alongside enforcement,” he said.

 

NAN/Wumi