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Lagos – Concerned by the growing prevalence of drug abuse and illicit trafficking in Nigeria, key stakeholders from the media, healthcare, law enforcement, government and the private sector have called for a coordinated national response, warning that enforcement alone cannot stem the tide without sustained prevention, public education and responsible journalism.
The call was made at the Media Practitioners’ Capacity Building Programme organised by the Nigerian Online Media Alliance (NOMA) at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos, to commemorate the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
The programme, organised in collaboration with the International Society of Substance Use Prevention and Treatment Professionals (ISSUP Nigeria), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, provided a platform for policymakers, public health experts, anti-drug advocates, security agencies and media professionals to examine the role of journalism in preventing substance abuse and promoting public awareness.
Speaking at the event, Chairperson of NOMA, Theresa Moses, described the initiative as a strategic intervention aimed at equipping journalists with the knowledge and professional skills required to report accurately and responsibly on one of the country’s most pressing social challenges.
She said drug abuse and illicit trafficking continue to threaten families, educational institutions, communities and national development, stressing that journalists, through ethical and evidence-based reporting, can influence public understanding, shape attitudes and encourage behavioural change.
According to her, responsible journalism has the capacity to strengthen public awareness, reduce the stigma surrounding addiction, promote recovery and support ongoing national efforts to build a drug-free Nigeria.
Delivering the keynote address, Chief Medical Director of the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Dr Olugbenga Owoeye, described substance abuse as a major public health challenge confronting countries across the world, noting that Nigeria continues to experience a high prevalence of drug use.
He said prevention remains the most effective and cost-efficient approach to tackling the problem, particularly in view of the country’s shortage of mental health professionals.
Owoeye disclosed that through international partnerships and professional training programmes, more than 1,200 substance use prevention and treatment professionals have been trained across Nigeria to strengthen the nation’s response to addiction and related mental health challenges.
Also speaking, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), warned that Africa is facing a rapidly expanding drug problem, with the continent projected to record up to a 40 per cent increase in drug use by 2030.
He said Nigeria’s drug use prevalence currently stands at 14.4 per cent, significantly above the global average of 5.6 per cent, describing the situation as a major national concern.
Marwa disclosed that the NDLEA has recorded over 77,000 arrests, secured more than 14,000 convictions and seized over 15 million kilogrammes of illicit substances in recent years.
Despite the achievements, he maintained that law enforcement alone cannot solve the problem, insisting that reducing demand through sustained public education and prevention remains the most effective long-term strategy.
He described the media as an indispensable partner capable of influencing public attitudes and discouraging substance abuse, particularly among young people.
President of ISSUP Nigeria, Dr Olajumoke Koyejo, urged stakeholders to adopt a science-based approach to addiction, saying substance dependence should be recognised as a chronic, relapsing brain disease rather than a moral failing.
She disclosed that approximately 14.4 per cent of Nigerians between the ages of 15 and 65 use psychoactive substances, while behavioural addictions, including gambling, are becoming increasingly prevalent.
Koyejo identified stigma as one of the major obstacles preventing individuals from seeking treatment, noting that many affected persons and their families conceal addiction because of fear of discrimination.
She also introduced participants to the VIBECHECK digital screening and referral platform developed by ISSUP Nigeria to help individuals assess substance use risks and access professional support.
Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Abubakre Ogunlende, expressed concern over the growing influence of social media in normalising substance abuse among young people.
He attributed the rising incidence of substance abuse among vulnerable youths to economic hardship, unemployment and peer pressure, while highlighting initiatives introduced by the Lagos State Government, including the Lagos State Kick Against Drug Abuse (LASKADA) programme, school sensitisation campaigns, rehabilitation services and digital mental health support platforms.
Providing an economic perspective, Director-General of the Association of Nigerian Exporters, Prince Joseph Idiong, warned that drug trafficking undermines legitimate business by exposing exporters to increased inspections, shipment delays, demurrage charges and reputational risks whenever Nigerian ports become associated with illicit drug activities.
He urged journalists to work closely with relevant international organisations in promoting evidence-based drug prevention campaigns.
In a goodwill message delivered on behalf of the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Obafemi-Ajayi Ademuyiwa said drug abuse and illicit trafficking should be regarded not only as health and security challenges but also as major development issues requiring responsible and factual reporting.
Participants at the conference agreed that parents, teachers, healthcare professionals, community leaders, faith-based organisations, civil society groups, security agencies and the media all have critical roles to play in reducing substance abuse across the country.
They expressed optimism that stronger collaboration, sustained public enlightenment and prevention-focused interventions would significantly reduce drug abuse and contribute to safer and healthier communities in Nigeria.