NAFDAC warns: 14.3 million Nigerians grappling with drug abuse

The Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has revealed that a staggering 14.3 million Nigerians are currently grappling with drug abuse.

Prof. Adeyeye made this alarming disclosure during the inaugural ceremony of the agency’s youth program, “Catch Them Young,” held at Government Secondary School, Rumuokwuta, in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

According to research presented by NAFDAC, one in four high-risk drug users has been arrested for drug-related offenses. These arrests encompass a wide range of crimes, including 73% for drug possession, 12% for theft, 5% for sex work, 4% for burglary, and 2% for shoplifting.

“This data only reflects the number of arrests,” Prof. Adeyeye emphasized. “Considering that a significant number of crimes go unreported, the true extent of the problem is likely much larger.”

Prof. Adeyeye highlighted the devastating impact of drug abuse on families, society, and the nation’s socio-economic development. These concerns, she explained, prompted NAFDAC to launch this comprehensive program aimed at reducing drug abuse among secondary school students.

“This program is not intended to scare anyone,” Prof. Adeyeye clarified. “Instead, it aims to facilitate open and honest conversations with young people about the dangers of illicit drug use, including alcohol consumption.”

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Mr. Onogwu Emmanuel, the State Coordinator of NAFDAC in Rivers, explained the rationale behind focusing the sensitization and capacity-building program on secondary schools. He emphasized that secondary school students are particularly vulnerable to drug abuse and that educating future leaders on the dangers of drug use is crucial.

The pilot phase of the project will encompass two schools from each of the state’s three senatorial zones.

Gladys Iheumamme, the principal of the host school, commended NAFDAC for this vital initiative and urged the agency to sustain the program to safeguard the future of Nigerian youth.

This news report aims to provide a comprehensive and informative overview of the drug abuse crisis in Nigeria and the proactive measures being taken by NAFDAC to address this critical issue.