WHO highlights Nigeria’s new push to combat substance abuse

Nigeria has stepped up efforts to curb the misuse of controlled substances while safeguarding access to essential medicines for patients who rely on them for pain management, mental health treatment and palliative care, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said.

The global health agency made this known on Thursday after the conclusion of the National Drug Use Summit, a gathering of government officials, law enforcement agencies, development partners, civil society groups and healthcare professionals aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s response to substance abuse.

According to WHO, the summit reflected the country’s determination to confront drug misuse through a coordinated national strategy without restricting legitimate access to medicines required for medical care.

The organisation said the summit was organised by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the United Nations in Nigeria, with backing from development partners, including the Global Fund. The meeting focused on accelerating the implementation of Nigeria’s National Drug Control Master Plan.

“Nigeria is taking bold national action to protect young people and communities from drug misuse while ensuring safe access to the essential medicines needed for pain relief, mental health care, and palliative care.

“The National Drug Use Summit, convened by the FMoHSW, NDLEA, and UN Nigeria with support from partners including The Global Fund, brought together government leaders, security agencies, civil society, and health experts to advance the National Drug Control Master Plan,” the statement partly read.

WHO noted that substance abuse remains a serious public health concern in Nigeria, especially among young people. The agency recalled findings from the 2019 joint survey by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the NDLEA, which showed widespread drug use across the country.

The organisation also stressed that its role at the summit was to provide technical expertise to help policymakers strike the right balance between controlling drug misuse and ensuring patients continue to receive medicines that are legally prescribed.

“Drug misuse remains a major public health challenge affecting millions of Nigerians. The 2019 UNODC/NDLEA survey found that 14.4% of people aged 15 to 64 used drugs in the past year, with rising misuse of tramadol, codeine syrup, and prescription sedatives continuing to impact young people and communities.

“WHO Nigeria supported the Summit with evidence-based guidance on balancing drug control with safe access to controlled medicines. This work strengthens regulatory systems, protects medical access, and reduces the risk of diversion and misuse,” WHO stated.

One of the major resolutions reached at the summit was the endorsement of a communiqué designed to reinforce the implementation of the National Drug Control Master Plan.

“A key outcome of the Summit was a Communique endorsed by partners to strengthen the pillars of the National Drug Control Master Plan,” the WHO added.

Nigeria has in recent years expanded measures to combat the abuse of illicit drugs and controlled medicines through stronger enforcement, public education campaigns and improved treatment and rehabilitation services.

The National Drug Control Master Plan remains the country’s central policy framework for reducing both the demand for and supply of illicit drugs while promoting prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and international collaboration.