Experts in Nigeria are increasingly concerned about the country’s rising drug abuse rates, urging the Federal Government to adopt a public health-centred approach. 

This proposed strategy prioritizes reducing drug use while establishing a supportive legal framework to empower health interventions.

With roughly 14.4 percent of the population or about 14.3 million Nigerians, affected by drug use, public health experts argued that a comprehensive legal structure is critical for the Federal Ministry of Health to address this crisis effectively.

At a one-day media sensitization workshop in Abuja, themed ‘Public Health Approach to Drug Control Response in Nigeria’ and organized by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in partnership with Youth Rise Nigeria, experts advocated for treating drug dependency as a health issue rather than a criminal offence.

They stressed that many individuals struggling with drug dependency are dealing with health-related challenges.

The workshop highlighted the urgent need for a health-oriented approach to tackle what experts now view as a national drug dependency epidemic and the crucial role of the media in shaping public perception and reaction to drug abuse.

Chukwuma Anyaike, the Director of Public Health at the Federal Ministry of Health, argued that a public health approach is crucial for controlling drug issues in Nigeria.

He noted that existing supply-focused measures have limited access to treatment and prevention services, which has led to increased rates of HIV, tuberculosis, and hepatitis among people who inject drugs.

Anyaike called for a multidisciplinary approach integrating public health, legal, and social welfare frameworks and urged Nigeria to align with international standards such as the World Health Organization’s guidelines, the 2016 UN General Assembly Special Session on Drugs UNGASS), and the African Union (AU) Plan of Action to improve its response to drug abuse.

“This approach includes preventing drug use, providing treatment and care for individuals with substance use disorders, implementing harm reduction strategies, and ensuring access to controlled medications,” Anyaike explained.

Echoing these sentiments, Nonso Maduka, a Consultant with Youth Rise Nigeria, stressed the need for legislation that would facilitate a health-centered response to drug control.

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Maduka argued that a supportive legal framework would help provide better resources and care for individuals, families, and communities affected by drug dependency, shifting away from the current punitive focus.

“Unfortunately, we have an unbalanced approach that targets mainly supply reduction, and the health sector lacks the legal authority to address demand, prevention, treatment, and harm reduction,” Maduka noted.

He highlighted that Nigeria’s current drug laws treat drug use as a criminal issue, which restricts health interventions and puts more strain on affected communities.

A public health perspective, he noted, could help curb drug dependency and reduce associated health risks like HIV and hepatitis.

Maduka also emphasized the importance of empowering local health initiatives and granting States authority to address drug challenges in their communities.

A health-focused legal framework, he noted, would allow targeted responses, including treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care.

Such a framework, according to him, would create a balanced approach that not only reduces drug abuse but also mitigates its harmful effects, ultimately supporting a healthier future for the nation.

“If you want to solve it, it must be driven by evidence,” Maduka added, calling for an evidence-based approach that balances criminal justice with health-focused interventions, which includes drug demand reduction, harm reduction, and access to necessary medications.

“Understanding underlying causes, such as pain management needs and rural challenges, is essential for developing compassionate and comprehensive responses,” he added.

Oluwafisayo Alao, the Executive Director of Youth Rise Nigeria, underscored the crucial role of the media in changing public perceptions around drug dependency, saying, “The way we approach substance use in Nigeria impacts the lives of millions of people.

“This media partnership is a vital step toward a compassionate, health-focused response. By creating a framework that prioritizes health over punishment, we aim to protect individuals, families, and communities”.