FEDERAL GOVERNMENT RAISES ALARM: DRUG ABUSE DRIVING INSECURITY, UNDERMINING NATIONAL PROGRESS

The Federal Government has issued a stern warning that the escalating drug menace in Nigeria is not only a public health crisis but a major driver of insecurity and a significant barrier to sustainable development.

In a strong statement, government officials highlighted how illicit drug use and trafficking are fueling violent crimes, including banditry, kidnapping, and insurgency across several regions. According to recent assessments, substance abuse impairs judgment, emboldens criminal elements, and contributes to over 90% of certain local violent incidents in parts of the country.

With an estimated 14.3 million Nigerians involved in drug use, the country faces a severe treatment gap, with fewer than 200 dedicated rehabilitation centres available. This crisis is particularly devastating among the youth, who represent the backbone of Nigeria’s future workforce. Experts link rising unemployment, easy access to synthetic drugs, and weak enforcement to the surge.

The government, through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and agencies like the NDLEA, is calling for urgent multi-sectoral action. Emphasis is placed on prevention, community engagement, and increased investment ahead of global observance days.

Stakeholders warn that without decisive intervention, the drug epidemic will continue to erode national security, stall economic growth, and deprive the country of its human capital potential. Officials urge parents, communities, and civil society to join hands in curbing this threat before it escalates further.