The World Health Organisation has commended Nigeria’s renewed efforts to combat drug misuse while ensuring patients who rely on controlled medicines for pain management, mental health care and palliative treatment continue to have safe and timely access to them.
The global health agency made this known in a statement issued after the National Drug Use Summit, a gathering of government officials, security agencies, development partners, civil society groups and health experts aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s response to substance abuse.
According to the WHO, the summit reflected the country’s commitment to addressing drug misuse through coordinated action without limiting access to medicines needed for legitimate medical purposes.
“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 organisation stated.
WHO explained that the summit, organised by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and the United Nations in Nigeria, with support from partners including the Global Fund, was designed to advance the implementation of Nigeria’s National Drug Control Master Plan.
The organisation noted that substance misuse remains a major public health challenge in the country, particularly among young people, citing the continued abuse of tramadol, codeine-based cough syrups and other prescription medicines.
It recalled findings from the 2019 UNODC/NDLEA drug use survey, which showed that 14.4 per cent of Nigerians between the ages of 15 and 64 had used drugs within the previous year.
“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 said.
The organisation added that it provided technical support during the summit by promoting evidence-based policies that balance drug control measures with access to essential medicines.
“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,” the statement added.
WHO further disclosed that one of the major outcomes of the summit was the adoption of a communiqué by participating stakeholders to strengthen the implementation of the National Drug Control Master Plan.
“A key outcome of the summit was a communiqué endorsed by partners to strengthen the pillars of the National Drug Control Master Plan,” the organisation said.
Nigeria has stepped up efforts in recent years to reduce the misuse of illicit drugs and controlled substances through stronger law enforcement, public awareness campaigns and expanded treatment and rehabilitation services, with the National Drug Control Master Plan serving as the country’s strategic framework for reducing drug demand and supply while improving prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and international cooperation.
