The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has reported that an estimated 14.3 million Nigerians are involved in drug abuse. The Ogun state Commander of the NDLEA, Ibiba Odili, made this statement during the launch of the War Against Drug Abuse in Abeokuta.
According to the agency, the individuals engaged in drug abuse fall within the age range of 15 to 64 years, and there is an increasing number of women involved in drug use. Data from 2018 indicates that one in every four drug users is a woman, and the rising number of women involved in drug abuse is a cause for concern.
The most commonly abused drug in Nigeria, as per the 2018 survey, is cannabis, primarily cultivated in the southwest region of the country. Nigeria has transitioned from being a transit country for drug trafficking to becoming a significant consumer and producer of illicit substances. The country now produces drugs like methamphetamine, which is highly addictive and potent.
The survey also revealed that young people are finding new and creative ways to get high, indicating a concerning trend in drug use among the youth.
The high prevalence of drug abuse in Nigeria calls for urgent and effective measures to address the issue and protect the well-being of individuals and communities affected by this problem.
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