Nigeria's NHRC Demands Urgent Action on Youth Drug Abuse

Nigeria's National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has demanded immediate action to combat the escalating problem of drug abuse among the nation's youth. The commission highlighted the severe threat substance abuse poses to public health, security, human dignity, and national development.

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substance abuse, particularly among young people, has reached alarming levels and requires urgent and coordinated action from all stakeholders.

In a statement commemorating the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, NHRC Executive Secretary Tony Ojukwu emphasized the need for coordinated efforts from all stakeholders. He stressed that while the fight against substance abuse is critical, it must align with human rights principles and existing legislation, including the Mental Health Act 2021 and the National Health Act 2022.

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a major threat to public health, security, human dignity, and national development.

Ojukwu advocated for empathy and a public health approach, urging that individuals struggling with drug dependence should not face stigma or mistreatment. Instead, they require access to quality healthcare, rehabilitation services, psychosocial support, and opportunities for societal reintegration. The NHRC is actively campaigning for harm reduction strategies in Nigeria.

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They should not be stigmatised, discriminated against, or subjected to inhuman or degrading treatment. Instead, they should have access to quality healthcare, rehabilitation, psychosocial support, and opportunities for reintegration into society.

The commission also called on the National Assembly to develop policies that differentiate between medicinal drug use and drug trafficking, to avoid criminalizing individuals seeking treatment. Ojukwu urged government agencies, civil society, educational institutions, and community leaders to intensify awareness campaigns among young people. He also reminded law enforcement agencies to uphold human rights standards while combating illicit drug trafficking.

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advocacy for a public health approach to drug use and its implications for harm reduction in Nigeria.