Drug Crisis: Winning The War Against Abuse, Trafficking In Nigeria

Nigeria is facing a deepening drug crisis, with 14.4% of its population aged 15 to 64, an estimated 14.3 million people having used drugs in the past year. The most commonly abused substances range from cannabis and codeine to tramadol, with young people disproportionately affected.

Drug abuse is not only destroying individual lives but also fueling broader issues such as insecurity, unemployment, and organized crime. With Nigeria’s drug use rate more than double the global average, the urgency to act is clear.

The fight against drug abuse and trafficking requires more than arrests, it demands a multi-pronged approach. While agencies like the NDLEA intensify crackdowns on trafficking networks, there’s also a pressing need for widespread education, accessible rehabilitation, and stronger community-based interventions.