As the world commemorates World Drug Day on June 26, Professor of Psychology, Remi Alarape, has issued a fervent call to the Federal Government (FG) of Nigeria to strengthen its drug control policies in a bid to curb the incessant cases of drug abuse plaguing the nation.
Alarape, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Psychology at the University of Ibadan, emphasized to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ota, Ogun State, that there is an urgent need for more comprehensive awareness campaigns regarding the pervasive dangers of drug abuse.
World Drug Day, officially known as the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, was established by the United Nations in 1987 to raise global awareness and strengthen action and cooperation to achieve a world free of drug abuse.
The 2025 theme for World Drug Day, “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention, Break the Cycle,” aligns directly with Professor Alarape’s appeal for proactive measures.
Professor Alarape particularly underscored the necessity for the FG to bolster drug control policies and global collaborations to effectively combat drug-related problems.
According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and and Crime (UNODC) 2018 report, Nigeria has one of the highest rates of drug abuse in Africa, with an estimated 14.3 million people aged 15–64 years using psychoactive substances—nearly triple the global average.
This figure is believed to have risen, with some recent studies suggesting even higher rates, particularly among youth in urban areas.
The most commonly abused substances include cannabis, tramadol, codeine, and heroin, with synthetic drugs like methamphetamine also emerging as significant concerns.
He suggested that partnering with the media, schools, and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to educate citizens on drug risks would significantly contribute to creating the much-needed awareness. “We need to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and illicit trafficking,” he stated. “In addition, we need to equip officers with skills to handle drug cases ethically and effectively, ensuring that law enforcement is carried out with a focus on rehabilitation and human rights.”
The don further urged the government to significantly increase funding for rehabilitation centres, thereby ensuring adequate and accessible treatment for drug addicts across the country.
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Current data indicates that while drug-related admissions occupy a substantial portion of psychiatric beds nationally, only a small percentage of tertiary hospitals offer specialized addiction services.
He also underscored the importance of encouraging organizations and individuals to actively collaborate with the government in both prevention and rehabilitation efforts.
Furthermore, he stressed the critical need for youth empowerment initiatives through the provision of vocational training and sustainable job opportunities.
This, he believes, would serve as a powerful deterrent, preventing young people from succumbing to drug involvement, which is often linked to unemployment, poverty, and peer pressure.
Professor Alarape concluded by noting that a drug-free society stems from collective action, robust government policies, unwavering community support, and responsible individual choices.