Nigeria’s persistent youth drug crisis
Nigeria is grappling with a devastating challenge that threatens the future of its young people and, in turn, the nation’s potential: the rapidly escalating drug abuse crisis among its youth. Recent reports have revealed that approximately 14.4% of Nigerians between the ages of 15 and 64 are affected by substance abuse, a troubling statistic that amounts to around 10.6 million people. This alarming number is a stark reminder of how deeply entrenched the issue has become, and it underscores the urgency with which it needs to be addressed before it spirals even further.
The impact of drug abuse on the youth is far-reaching and deeply concerning. Beyond the well-known health risks such as addiction, liver damage, and mental health disorders, the epidemic is also fuelling a rise in broader social issues. Declining academic performance, increased school dropout rates, and a disturbing involvement in criminal activities have become all too common among young Nigerians struggling with substance abuse. Perhaps most troubling of all is the growing number of young people being preyed upon by criminal and terrorist groups, exploiting their vulnerability, often worsened by drug dependence. These groups are all too willing to take advantage of youths who, due to their circumstances, feel lost, isolated, or unable to escape their struggles.
In response to this deepening crisis, several government and community-led initiatives have been launched, aiming to curb the spread of drug abuse among Nigeria’s young people. These efforts focus on educating, rehabilitating, and empowering the youth to break free from the devastating cycle of addiction.
One such initiative is the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) programme, “Catch Them Young,” which was launched in September 2024. This programme targets secondary school students and works to educate them about the dangers of drug abuse. Rather than relying on fear-based tactics, the programme promotes open and honest conversations with youths, equipping them with the knowledge they need to make better decisions. According to Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, NAFDAC’s Director-General, this initiative is especially crucial because young people and teenagers are the most vulnerable group in the fight against drug abuse.
Additionally, in December 2024, the Nigerian government partnered with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to create a joint effort to address both drug trafficking and drug abuse. This collaboration aims to build a safer environment by not only tackling the illegal distribution of drugs but also enhancing public understanding of the issues. By involving the international community in these efforts, Nigeria can develop more comprehensive strategies and a broader reach in its fight against substance abuse.
Moreover, recognising the influence peers have on young people, the Nigerian government has also begun integrating National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members into drug abuse prevention programmes.
By involving these young men and women who have direct access to their peers, the government hopes to enhance the impact of its awareness campaigns and reach more youths across the country. This initiative builds on the understanding that young people often respond better to information shared by those they identify with, making the role of NYSC members invaluable in these efforts.
Community-based organisations like the Vanguard Against Drug Abuse (VGADA) and the Soaring Youth Foundation are also taking a hands-on approach, working directly with youths in their communities. These organisations offer therapy, empowerment, and skills training as part of their efforts to provide the support young people need to overcome addiction. Through these initiatives, they aim to reach over 1,000 youths in Abuja by the end of the year, giving them the tools they need to build a better future for themselves and their communities.
In Rivers State, the state government has taken an important step by advising secondary schools to establish counselling units focused on drug abuse. These units will provide early identification and intervention for students struggling with substance abuse, offering a vital support system within the educational environment. The hope is that by addressing the issue in schools, young people can receive help before their addiction escalates further.
However, while these initiatives are important, they represent only the beginning of what must be a much broader, more collaborative effort to combat drug abuse. The solutions to this crisis require a unified approach that involves not just government agencies but also educational institutions, community leaders, and non-governmental organisations. The collective efforts of all these sectors are necessary to create an environment where drug abuse is actively prevented, and where young people have the opportunity to thrive without the threat of addiction hanging over them.
Education is key to addressing this issue. By integrating drug abuse awareness into school curricula and community programmes, the government can ensure that young people are equipped with the knowledge they need before they are exposed to substances. Furthermore, making rehabilitation services more accessible will give young people the opportunity to seek help without the fear of being stigmatised. Establishing more rehabilitation centres and support systems will ensure that help is available to those who need it most.
In addition to these efforts, there is a pressing need for economic empowerment. Many young Nigerians turn to drugs as a coping mechanism for the frustration and hopelessness that comes with unemployment and financial instability.
Providing job opportunities and vocational training will help address these root causes of substance abuse and offer youths an alternative path forward. Public awareness campaigns, too, play an essential role in changing societal perceptions of drug abuse, encouraging a shift towards preventative behaviours.
The drug abuse crisis among Nigerian youth is not an issue that can be tackled by the government alone. It is a shared responsibility that demands the active involvement of every sector of society. With comprehensive, coordinated, and sustained efforts, Nigeria can reclaim the future of its youth and pave the way for a healthier, more prosperous nation. It is only through collective action that the nation can hope to turn the tide of this crisis and ensure a brighter, drug-free future for its young people.
