The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has asserted that the nation has approximately 14.3 million hard drug users. Zonal Commander, ACGN Sule Momodu of Zone ‘F,’ NDLEA, revealed this information during a dialogue in Kaduna State with pharmacists, military, and paramilitary officers.
Momodu emphasized that the rising number of drug users is a major contributor to banditry and other crimes, linking drug usage to the prevalence of abductions and kidnappings in the country. He underscored the importance of addressing drug-related issues in achieving Nigeria’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and broader developmental objectives.
According to Daily Trust, the NDLEA boss said, “There are 14.3 million drug users in Nigeria. the prevalence rate in Kaduna State alone is 10 per cent, ranking fourth in the North-Western states of the country. The North West alone has about 3 million drug users.”
He recounted that when he was the NDLEA Commander in Katsina, the state governor advised him that once bandits used tramadol, nothing could stop them from carrying out their lethal operations.
Aliyu Jibrin, a community chemist who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, stated that pharmacists, as professionals, are aware of the regulations and ethics of drug dispensing and would not do anything that could jeopardise Nigeria’s security.
He said the number of pharmacists in Nigeria was limited, saying in the whole of Kaduna they were not up to 400; yet there are thousands of drug stores in the state.
Moreover, addressing the underlying socio-economic factors that contribute to drug abuse, such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of opportunities, is crucial for long-term prevention efforts. By investing in social welfare programs, skills development initiatives, and community empowerment projects, we can create alternative pathways for individuals at risk of turning to drugs as a coping mechanism.
However, addressing the drug epidemic requires a collective commitment from government agencies, civil society organizations, the private sector, and the broader community. It demands a shift in mindset from punitive approaches to proactive interventions that prioritize prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation.
The revelation by the NDLEA regarding the prevalence of hard drug use in Nigeria serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address this pressing issue. By adopting a comprehensive and integrated approach that combines enforcement, prevention, treatment, and socio-economic development strategies, we can work towards stemming the tide of drug abuse and building a healthier, safer, and more resilient society for all.
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