WHO backs Nigeria’s push to curb drug misuse, expand medicine access

Nigeria is bolstering its strategies to tackle the escalating challenge of drug misuse while ensuring that patients can still access essential controlled medicines for pain relief, mental health treatment, and palliative care. The World Health Organization (WHO) highlighted these intensified efforts following the National Drug Use Summit.

The summit convened government officials, security agencies, development partners, and health experts to forge a stronger national response to substance abuse. Drug abuse remains a significant public health concern in Nigeria, especially among the youth. Authorities have repeatedly warned about the widespread misuse of opioids like tramadol and codeine-based cough syrups, alongside other prescription medications. Beyond health impacts, this problem is linked to rising insecurity, mental health disorders, and other social issues across the nation.

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Nigeria is taking bold national action to protect young people and communities from drug misuse while ensuring safe access to the essential medicines needed for pain relief, mental health care, and palliative care.

The WHO stated that the summit underscored Nigeria's commitment to addressing drug misuse through coordinated action. It also emphasized maintaining access to medicines for legitimate medical purposes. The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, and the UN in Nigeria organized the summit, with support from partners like the Global Fund, to advance Nigeria's National Drug Control Master Plan.

Substance misuse continues to pose a substantial threat to public health, particularly affecting young Nigerians. The WHO provided technical guidance to the summit, aiming to ensure that drug control policies do not negatively impact access to essential medicines for patients who genuinely require them. A 2019 survey indicated that 14.4% of Nigerians aged 15 to 64 used drugs in the past year, with a notable increase in the misuse of tramadol, codeine syrup, and prescription sedatives.

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The National Drug Use Summit, convened by the FMoHSW, NDLEA, and UN Nigeria with support from partners including The Global Fund, brought together government leaders, security agencies, civil society, and health experts to advance the National Drug Control Master Plan.