Campaign Against Drug Abuse and Trafficking in Nigeria

Drug abuse and trafficking are serious problems that affect the health, security and development of Nigeria. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, about 14.4 per cent or 14.3 million people aged between 15 and 64 years use psychoactive drugs in Nigeria, which is much higher than the global average of 5.6 per cent. Cannabis is the most used drug, followed by opioids, stimulants, sedatives and inhalants.

Drug abuse can lead to addiction, mental disorders, infectious diseases, violence, and crime. The President of the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria (APN), Dr Taiwo Sheikh, says according to a recent study, 85% of cases of mental disorders in people in Nigeria are youths within the age bracket of 18-38.

Popular drugs abused in Nigeria include Marijuana, Tramadol and Cocaine. Due to the inability of some youths to afford these drugs, most have resorted to the use of household chemicals and local inexpensive means to get intoxicated. Studies have shown that commonly abused drugs/substances in Nigeria include dry pawpaw, plantain or cassava leaf, kola nut, white part of lizard faeces and even dry human faeces, spirogyra, burnt tyres and 10 days urine, used sanitary pads (gases from decaying blood matter from used sanitary pads and tampon) are some of the things that get youth intoxicated today in Nigeria.

To curb the menace of drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria, there is a need for a comprehensive and evidence-based approach that involves prevention, treatment, care and support for drug users, as well as law enforcement, international cooperation and public awareness. Together, we can create a drug-free Nigeria for ourselves and future generations.

Our goal for a campaign against drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria is to reduce the demand and supply of illicit drugs by 50% in the next five years. The campaign aims to raise awareness about drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria, targeting young adults aged 18-35 in urban and rural areas. Our goal is to educate citizens on the dangers and health risks of engaging in substance abuse.

By the end of the campaign, Aniedehe Care Foundation aims to reach 1 million young adults through online and offline channels, including social media, workshops, and events. The campaign will leverage existing partnerships with local NGOs, influencers, and media outlets to reach the target audience effectively. Drug abuse and trafficking are pressing issues in Nigeria, and raising awareness can help prevent drug abuse and reduce trafficking activities.

The campaign will launch on June 1st, 2024, and run for six months, with regular monitoring and evaluation to assess its impact.

Some strategies to achieve this goal are:

• Prevention – Educate the public, especially the youth, about the harmful effects of drug abuse and addiction on their health, well-being, and prospects.
• Treatment – Provide accessible and affordable treatment and rehabilitation services for drug users who want to quit or reduce their consumption.
• Regulation – Strengthening regulatory frameworks to control the availability and accessibility of substances, including enforcing laws against illicit drug trafficking and sales.
• Community-based interventions: Engaging communities in substance abuse prevention and treatment efforts, including support groups and community outreach programs. Facilitate the cooperation and coordination among different stakeholders, such as government agencies, civil society organizations, media, religious leaders, and international partners, to share information, resources, and best practices
• Capacity building: Training healthcare professionals and law enforcement agencies on the identification, treatment, and management of substance use disorders.
• Research: Conducting research to understand the patterns and trends of substance abuse in Nigeria, as well as evaluating the effectiveness of interventions.
• Monitoring and evaluating: Evaluating the progress and impact of the campaign using reliable data and indicators, and adjusting the strategies as needed based on the feedback and lessons learned.

The new National Drug Control Master Plan 2020−2024 provides a strategic framework for addressing the drug problem in Nigeria. It aims to reduce the demand and supply of drugs, improve access to scientific evidence-based drug treatment and care services, prevent and control HIV and other blood-borne infections among drug users, enhance data collection and research on drug use patterns and trends, strengthen institutional capacity and coordination among stakeholders, and promote human rights and gender mainstreaming in drug policy. The implementation of this plan requires the commitment and collaboration of all relevant actors, including government agencies, civil society organizations, media, the private sector, religious groups, traditional leaders, community members and international partners.

Call to Action!!!

We urge you to join us in this campaign and help us make Nigeria a drug-free nation. Together, we can make a difference!