14.3 Million Nigerians Suffer Drug Abuse — NAFDAC
Kehinde Fajobi
The Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Mojisola Adeyeye, has revealed that approximately 14.3 million Nigerians are victims of drug abuse.
Adeyeye made this disclosure during the launch of NAFDAC’s youth initiative, Catch Them Young, held at Government Secondary School, Rumuokwuta, Port Harcourt, on Wednesday.
She cited research findings indicating that one in four high-risk drug users has faced arrest for drug-related offences.
“The arrests include 73 per cent for drug possession, 12 per cent for theft, five per cent for sex work, four per cent for burglary, and two per cent for shoplifting,” Adeyeye said.
She emphasised that the figures represent only reported cases. “If we consider that most crimes are unreported, then we will see that we have a huge problem on our hands,” she added.
The DG highlighted the severe impacts of drug abuse on families, society, and the nation’s socio-economic development.
She explained that this situation spurred NAFDAC to develop an intensive programme aimed at curbing drug abuse among secondary school students.
“Drug addiction can stem from both legal substances, such as prescribed medicines, and illicit drugs,” Adeyeye noted.
She clarified that the programme is not meant to instill fear but to encourage honest conversations with students.
“This will help you to make informed decisions with regards to illicit drug use, including alcohol consumption,” she said.
Earlier, Rivers State NAFDAC Coordinator, Onogwu Emmanuel, explained why the sensitisation and capacity-building programme is being introduced to secondary schools.
He stated that students are particularly vulnerable and should be actively involved in preventing drug abuse.
Emmanuel added that two schools were chosen from each of the state’s three senatorial districts for the pilot phase of the project.
The Principal of Government Secondary School, Rumuokwuta, Gladys Iheumamme, lauded NAFDAC’s initiative and urged the agency to sustain the programme to secure the future of Nigeria’s youth.