The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Kaduna State branch, has called for tighter regulations and stronger enforcement of drug distribution laws amid growing concerns over the misuse of psychoactive substances in the country.
The appeal was made during the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, commemorated at a two-day conference in Kaduna.
Chairman of the occasion, pharmacist Aliyu Jibrin, cited data indicating that an estimated 14.3 million Nigerians aged 15–64 have used psychoactive substances for non-medical purposes. He noted that one in four drug users is a woman, a trend that continues to alarm health professionals and policy advocates.
“Nearly one in every eight Nigerians has suffered consequences as a result of another person’s drug abuse,” Jibrin said.
He further highlighted the widespread non-medical use of cough syrups containing codeine and dextromethorphan, estimated at 2.4 million users. According to him, misuse is almost equally common among men and women, with far-reaching physical, psychological, social, and economic consequences.
Role of Community Pharmacists
In a speech delivered on behalf of the National Chairman of the ACPN, Pharmacist Ambrose Eze, the association’s Editor-in-Chief, Pharmacist Samira Abubakar Umar, underscored the pivotal role of community pharmacists in addressing drug abuse.
“We are not just healthcare providers; we are frontline educators and counsellors. Pharmacists must lead in raising awareness about the dangers of drug misuse,” she said.
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Policy Recommendations and Advocacy
Also speaking, pharmacist Abosede Garba, chairperson of the Kaduna State branch of the ACPN, emphasised the urgent need for the government to create an enabling environment for pharmacists to practise professionally and effectively.
She advocated for clear policy frameworks that empower pharmacists to contribute meaningfully to national efforts against drug abuse.
“Government support through robust regulation and infrastructure is vital to curbing the growing drug menace,” she added.
Garba also stressed the serious health implications of drug misuse, stating that abuse of substances can lead to brain, liver, heart, and systemic damage.
A Call to Action
The ACPN’s message was clear: without stricter enforcement and improved community engagement, the consequences of drug abuse will continue to erode public health, particularly among young and vulnerable populations.
The association called for multi-sectoral collaboration, public sensitisation campaigns, and consistent implementation of drug control policies to combat Nigeria’s deepening substance abuse crisis.