\”Scourge of Abuse\”

Many countries suffer from the consequences of illicit drug abuse, especially by the younger population. The United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC) says some 35 million people globally are estimated to suffer from drug use disorders. Cannabis and Amphetamine-type stimulants such as ecstasy and methamphetamine are Africa’s most widely abused drug types, says the World Health Organisation (WHO). In Nigeria, addiction to a substance is a familiar social and health problem. Nigeria ranks fifth in global criminal markets for illicit cannabis and heroin trade, synthetic drugs, human trafficking, firearms and fauna crimes.

Illicit drugs use is a social, health and security problem in Nigeria. Its abusers and people around them feel the consequences of drug abuse. According to a survey conducted by the National Bureau of Statistics and the Centre for Research and Information on Substance Abuse (CRISA), cannabis and other non-medical use of pharmaceutical opioids have caused the most problems for communities. In addition, the health challenges put a strain on the health infrastructure, and the financial demands are usually unsettling.

Illicit drugs abuse portrays easy access to drugs. It is also an indication that drug manufacturing and smuggling is not properly regulated. Indeed, illegal weapons production and smuggling is a recurrent security issue. How much more drugs? Access to drugs mirrors institutional gaps in regulating its use, production and importation (smuggling). Therefore, easy access to drugs and smuggling is a symptom of security challenges, porous borders and institutional challenges. Continued illicit drugs use will deepen security threats and institutional incapacity to tackle health and social issues.

Some communities in Nigeria are beginning to hold drug users accountable. There are anecdotal accounts of suspected illicit drugs users being flogged publicly. Although mob action against suspected illicit drug users is condemnable, it indicates a growing community response to the “scourge” of drug abuse amongst Nigerian youths. The public disgrace and punishment approach to illicit drug users does not help substance addicts or address the issues. Indeed, it portrays a struggling justice system and a growing resort to jungle justice and mob action.

There is a need to redirect community response to the drug abuse scourge to be in line with the activities of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other security agencies in Nigeria. The redirection should begin from increased public partnership and awareness on drug abuse and the citizens’ role in helping to eradicate the menace. The reported community action against drug abuse should be a clarion call to drive a collective front against abuse.

Additionally, there is a need for increased regulations for illicit drugs production and smuggling in Nigeria. The United Nations Office for Drug and Crime and the World Health Organisation (WHO) should, on the one hand, increase technical support to relevant Nigerian institutions tackling drug use. On the other hand, the current tempo against illicit drug use should be sustained through more public engagement, tailored messaging for schools, faith-based organisations and cultural associations. The message against drug abuse should be treated as the decay of the value system, health, security and social challenges.