As the world marks the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, experts in health and law have raised alarm over the growing prevalence of substance abuse in Nigeria, identifying cannabis sativa, opioids and alcohol as the most commonly abused substances among patients and offenders.
The concerns come amid a sharp increase in drug-related cases, particularly among young people, with stakeholders warning that the trend poses serious threats to public health, security and national development.
Speaking in Ibadan during separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Dr Oluwagbemi Ibrahim, Registrar, Psychiatry Department, University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, said clinics across Ibadan and Oyo State continue to record high numbers of patients battling substance abuse disorders.
According to Ibrahim, cannabis, opioids, tobacco, alcohol and amphetamines are the substances most frequently abused, with cannabis, opioids and alcohol remaining the dominant drugs of concern.
She noted that drug use often begins during adolescence, citing World Health Organisation (WHO) data indicating that initiation into psychoactive substance use commonly occurs between the ages of 15 and 19 years. However, the consequences are most evident among individuals aged 18 to 35 years.
“Youths start drugs due to peer influence, the need to belong or fit into certain circles, youthful exploration to satisfy curiosities, and having role models who engage in substance use,” she said.
Beyond peer pressure, Ibrahim explained that some young people turn to drugs as a coping mechanism for stress and life challenges, while others use them recreationally.
The health implications, she warned, are often severe and long-lasting.
She said many patients suffer dependence on psychoactive substances, while others develop psychotic and mood disorders as drugs alter thought patterns, perception, mood and behaviour. Drug abuse is also linked to physical complications, including liver damage, endocrine disorders and cardiovascular diseases such as diabetes mellitus and systemic hypertension.
Calling for greater vigilance among young people, Ibrahim urged them to reject offers of drugs and avoid environments that encourage substance use.
“Don’t be idle! Get busy with productive activities,” she advised.
She also encouraged youths to cultivate healthy coping strategies and seek help when faced with challenges.
“When it comes to drugs, prevention is better than cure, but if you are already a victim of addiction, you have hope if you ask for help,” she said.
The psychiatrist further stressed the role of parents, urging them to be positive role models and maintain a stronger presence in their children’s lives.
While health professionals grapple with the consequences of addiction, legal practitioners are witnessing a surge in drug-related prosecutions.
Mr Oluwatobi Fatoki, a legal practitioner, described the increase in drug offences before the courts as alarming, noting that cases at the Federal High Court had “skyrocketed”.
Fatoki said the compounding increase in drug cases “saddens one’s heart”.
He explained that the Federal High Court handles drug-related prosecutions in Nigeria, while the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) remains the primary agency responsible for combating the spread of illicit and hard drugs.
“Anyone can get hard drug anywhere now. NDLEA cannot do it alone; the Nigeria Customs Service also has a pivotal role to play in curbing the spread of drugs.
“NAFDAC has a role to play too as well as the society at large,” he said.
According to Fatoki, authorities continue to intercept illegal substances at the nation’s borders and within communities, but trafficking remains widespread.
In Ibadan, he said, most cases brought before the courts by the NDLEA involve cannabis sativa, although offences related to cocaine, heroin and codeine are also recorded.
“But the most common is cannabis sativa,” he emphasised.
Fatoki explained that penalties for drug offences vary according to the quantity involved. Smaller quantities may attract lighter sentences, while large-scale trafficking often results in more severe punishment.
“The court at times could temper justice with mercy and it ranges from three months, four months, six months; even two years depending, with or without option of fine,” he said.
For offenders caught with larger quantities, particularly those measured in kilograms, the consequences are far more serious.
“Most cases it’s two years and above in this instance for the punishment also with or without option of fine, depending on the defendant’s plea of allocutus,” he said.
Fatoki noted that the NDLEA has consistently advocated tougher sanctions, including life imprisonment, to deter traffickers and curb the spread of illicit drugs.
Beyond prosecution, he said the agency is empowered to seal facilities involved in the production and distribution of illegal substances.
He urged the NDLEA to intensify its efforts and strengthen enforcement mechanisms to stem the growing drug menace.
“It’s high time they took the bull at the horn to fight cases related to drug abuse.
“The law also should investigate and prosecute,” he said.
As Nigeria joins the rest of the world in observing the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, experts say the fight against substance abuse requires a collective response involving families, schools, health professionals, law enforcement agencies and communities. Without sustained prevention, treatment and enforcement efforts, they warn, the nation risks losing more young people to addiction and its devastating consequences.
