Abuja: The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has called for a coordinated, health-centred, and evidence-based response to address illicit drug use and trafficking in Nigeria. The UNODC Country Representative, Mr. Cheikh Toure, highlighted this need during the National Drug Use Summit held in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Toure, represented by Dr. Akanidomo Ibanga, Lead, Drug Demand Reduction, UNODC, emphasized the urgent need for coordinated and practical actions from stakeholders to address the evolving nature of drug use in Nigeria. The summit, organized in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, was themed ‘Addressing Illicit Drug Use and Trafficking: A Call to National Action.’
Toure praised the Federal Government, particularly the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the NDLEA, for their commitment to tackling Nigeria’s drug challenges through collaboration. He also recognized the contributions of government ministries, civil society organizations, the private sector, and development partners in combating this issue.
The UN remains committed to supporting Nigeria with a comprehensive approach that includes public health, governance, prevention, treatment, data systems, and human rights. Toure noted the changing patterns of drug use, highlighting the emergence of new psychoactive substances and evolving trafficking trends, and stressed the need for urgent and clear responses from stakeholders.
Toure remarked that the summit was an opportunity to align efforts and reaffirm commitment to the National Drug Control Master Plan, translating policies into practical actions. He specifically commended Kaduna State for its public health-oriented drug control approach, which could serve as a model for the entire nation.
The UNODC representative also acknowledged the private sector’s support, notably MTN Nigeria, through strategic public-private partnerships. Discussions at the summit aimed to understand the changing drug landscape, strengthen prevention systems, and expand treatment and rehabilitation services, along with promoting alternative development initiatives and sustainable financing.
Toure emphasized the UN’s expectation for the summit to yield suggestions for a balanced and health-centred drug control strategy that integrates prevention, treatment, recovery, and law enforcement. He called for clear commitments from governments and stakeholders to strengthen coordination, expand services, and address existing gaps in Nigeria’s drug response.
The proposed national declaration, financing compact, and accountability mechanism from the summit should serve as practical tools for driving measurable change, rather than remaining as mere policy documents. Toure reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in strengthening institutions and building capacity to ensure that no one affected by drug use and trafficking is left behind.
Toure concluded by stressing that the effectiveness of the response would rely on actions taken post-summit to build a safer, healthier, and more secure Nigeria.