By Joy Odor
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling drug abuse in Nigeria, calling for increased investment in prevention strategies, community engagement, and multi-sectoral collaboration.
This was stated during a ministerial press briefing to commemorate the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, themed “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention!”
Representing the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ms. Daju Kachollom, the Director Food and Drug Services Department of the Ministry Pharmacist Olubunmi Aribeana noted that approximately 14.6 million Nigerians engaged in non-medical use of drugs like cannabis and tramadol, according to the 2018 National Drug Use Survey.
According to her, the Ministry is planning a national summit to convene stakeholders for a comprehensive dialogue and strategic collaboration to curb the escalating drug abuse crisis.
The Permanent Secretary also narrated that the Ministry, in collaboration with UNODC, WHO, NDLEA, and civil society partners, is implementing initiatives like Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) and harm reduction services.
Kachollom urged all Nigerians, parents, youth leaders, educators, faith-based groups, and the media to join the fight against drug abuse.
Speaking on behalf of Aribeana, Pharmacist Henrietta Bakura-Onyeneke Director Narcotics & Drugs Division, Food & Drug Services Department of the Ministry highlighted the Ministry’s integrated response, including harm reduction services like needle and syringe programs, MAT, and community-based prevention programs.
She reiterated the need for respectful and non-judgmental approaches that reduce stigma and empower young people.
“In line with the National Drug Control Master Plan (2021–2025), we are committed to expanding access to treatment and rehabilitation, strengthening mental health services, and supporting data-driven policymaking,” she said.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) representative, Dr. Alex Gasasiri commended Nigeria’s multi-sectoral approach to addressing drug abuse, including the rollout of MAT and the establishment of 11 model treatment centers.
The Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) is implementing harm reduction and integrated health services in ten states, focusing on community ownership and sustainability through the Global Fund-supported N-THRIP initiative.
A grand finale event is scheduled for June 26 at the State House Conference Centre, organized in collaboration with NDLEA and other partners.
The Ministry aims to expand access to treatment and rehabilitation, strengthen mental health services, and support data-driven policymaking.
