2025 World Drug Day: FG requires collective action, prevention focuses on investments to deal with drug abuse in Nigeria

2025 World Drug Day: FG requires collective action, prevention focuses on investments to deal with drug abuse in Nigeria

Abuja (basic reporter) The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry for Health and Social Wellness, has reaffirmed its commitment to facing the abuse of drugs in Nigeria with a clarion declaration of greater investments in prevention strategies, the commitment of the community and multi-sectoral collaboration.

This statement was made during a ministerial press briefing held on Tuesday during the Ministry headquarters in Abuja to commemorate the international day of 2025 against the abuse of drugs and illegal trafficking, the theme “The tests are clear: invested in prevention!”

The Ministry is planning a national summit to convene all the parties concerned for a global dialogue and a strategic collaboration aimed at curbing the growing crisis of drug abuse.

Representing the permanent secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Daju Kachollom Mni, director of the Department of Food and Drugs of the pharmacist of Minister Olubunmi Arbeana, underlined the urgency to face the growing threat of drugs in Nigeria.

He noticed that drug abuse is not only a public health problem, but a challenge of security, development and human capital that threatens the future of the nation.

“The 2018 National Drug Use Survey revealed that about 14.6 million Nigerians had engaged in the non -medical use of drugs such as cannabis and the tramadol. This represents one of the highest rates in West Africa and is a request for clear and prolonged actions,” he said.

The permanent secretary’s speech emphasized nigeria’s alignment with the global great against drug abuse, First Declared by the a 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 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 Almedy State piloted in one of the four selected states and will be expanded nationally.

He also invited all the Nigerians, parents, young leaders, educators, groups based on faith and the media, to join the fight against drug abuse. “Together, we build a drug -free Nigeria, where every citizen can thrive in health and dignity,” added the permanent secretary.

Speaking on behalf of Arbeana, the pharmacist Henrietta Bakura-Oonyeneke Director Narcotics & Drugs Division, the Department of Food Services and Drug Services has highlighted the integrated response of the Ministry, including damage reduction services such as needle and siringe programs, mat and prevention programs based on the community. He reiterated the need for respectful and non -judgmental approaches that reduce stigma and enhance young people.

“In line with the National Drug Control Plan (2021-2025), we are committed to expanding access to treatment and rehabilitation, strengthening mental health services and support for data based on data,” he said.

According to the WHO representative, Dr. Alex Gasasiri observed that 14.4 million people in Nigeria use drugs that lead to health conditions such as drug use disorders, mental health conditions and other medical comorbidities.

He praised the Ministry for his response of the health sector which includes the availability of 11 model drug addiction treatment centers and the implementation of prevention approaches such as the syringe program of the needle.

The event also presented messages of goodwill of key stakeholders such as the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), represented by its executive team, underlined the dimensions of public health and human rights of drug abuse. Through the N-Thrip initiative supported by global funds, IHVN is implementing the reduction of damage and integrated health services in ten states, focusing on the property and sustainability of the community.