14.3 Million Nigerians Trapped In Drug Abuse Crisis – NAFDAC Sounds Alarm

14.3 Million Nigerians Trapped In Drug Abuse Crisis – NAFDAC Sounds Alarm

The Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has revealed that approximately 14.3 million Nigerians are victims of drug abuse…READ MORE…

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the agency’s youth initiative, tagged “Catch Them Young,” held at Government Secondary School, Rumuokwuta, Port Harcourt, on Wednesday, Adeyeye highlighted alarming research findings. She noted that one in four high-risk drug users had been arrested for drug-related offences, with 73% of these arrests linked to drug possession, followed by theft (12%), sex work (5%), burglary (4%), and shoplifting (2%).

“These figures only reflect reported cases. If we consider unreported crimes, it becomes clear that we are dealing with an even larger problem,” she said.

Adeyeye emphasized the devastating impact of drug abuse on families, society, and the nation’s socio-economic growth, which led NAFDAC to launch a comprehensive programme aimed at reducing drug abuse among secondary school students. She warned that drug addiction could stem from both prescribed medicines and illicit substances.

“This programme isn’t about scaring anyone but fostering honest conversations that empower young people to make informed decisions regarding drug use, including alcohol consumption,” she added.

Earlier, Rivers State NAFDAC Coordinator, Mr. Onogwu Emmanuel, explained the decision to focus on secondary school students, who he described as particularly vulnerable. He highlighted that the programme aims to engage the youth, as future leaders, in preventing drug abuse.

For the pilot phase, two schools from each of the state’s three senatorial zones were selected to participate in the initiative.

Gladys Iheumamme, the school principal, commended NAFDAC’s efforts and urged the agency to sustain the programme to secure the future of Nigerian youth.

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