Drug abuse among Nigerian youths has reached epidemic levels, with one in every seven Nigerians between ages 15 and 64 identified as a drug user, nearly three times the global average.
Experts say the situation, if unchecked, could cripple the nation’s future workforce, security, and productivity.
The revelation, drawn from the 2018 National Drug Use Survey conducted by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in partnership with the Federal Government, formed the crux of discussions at a health symposium organised by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Zion Chapel, Lagos Province 57, Oregun, Ikeja.
The programme, themed “Drugs and Substance Abuse: Any Hope for the Youth?”, brought together medical professionals, narcotics officers, and academics who unanimously agreed that Nigeria is facing a dangerous crisis.
Medical Director of Brafus Specialist Hospital, Lagos, Dr. Charles Davies, who moderated the panel, said cannabis, tramadol, codeine-based cough syrups, rohypnol, cocaine, and methamphetamine have become the most abused substances among young people.
“These drugs are cheap, easily accessible, and unfortunately glamorised by peers, entertainers, and social media. The consequence is that many young people, some barely teenagers, are now deep in addiction,” he said.
Head of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology at the College of Medicine, UNILAG, Dr. Henrietta Igbokwe, attributed the trend to peer pressure, unemployment, and untreated mental health challenges. “Young people experiment to belong. Others use drugs to escape depression, anxiety, or hopelessness caused by lack of opportunities,” she explained.
Retired Assistant Commander of Narcotics at the NDLEA, Dr. Wale Ige, said poor regulation and porous borders have worsened the problem. “Despite government bans, codeine and tramadol remain easily available on the streets. Until enforcement is tightened, supply will always overwhelm control,” he warned.
According to him, drug abuse is also a major driver of violent crimes. “Cultism, armed robbery, kidnapping, domestic violence, all have strong ties to drug use,” he said.
Experts at the forum painted a bleak picture of the impact of drug abuse. Prolonged misuse, they said, leads to brain damage, organ failure, mental illness, and even death.
An anaesthetist at the General Hospital, Gbagada, Dr. Yinka Anifowoshe said: “Drug abuse is a silent destroyer of lives. It forces many students out of school, destroys families emotionally and financially, and erodes national productivity. If nothing is done, we risk losing a generation.”
The panelists agreed that tackling drug abuse requires joint effort from families, schools, government, and communities.
They urged parents to monitor their children closely, while schools should integrate drug education into their curricula. They also stressed that government must create jobs, expand vocational training, and invest more in mental health and counselling services to reduce the hopelessness that drives many youths into drugs.
They further called for tighter border controls, stronger NDLEA operations, and sanctions against complicit officials, while emphasising that rehabilitation and reintegration should take precedence over punishment.
Religious and community leaders, they added, must intensify awareness campaigns, even as young people themselves use music, art, and social media to spread anti-drug messages.
Convener of the programme and pastor of RCCG Zion Chapel, Pastor Godfrey Iluobe, said the annual health talk, now in its ninth year, was designed to promote total human welfare.
“As Christians, we often emphasise spirituality while neglecting the body. This programme enlightens people on how to care for their health so they can fulfil God’s purpose,” he said.
He disclosed that the church has also been reaching out to vulnerable youths in Oregun, some of whom were prayed for during the event.
“These boys had their destinies nearly destroyed by drugs. But we have been engaging them weekly with food, prayers, and fellowship. Some are now on the path of recovery,” he said.
The experts concluded that drug abuse is not merely a youth problem but a national emergency requiring collective action.
“Saving the youths means saving the future of Nigeria,” Dr. Igbokwe said.
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
