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- We must address this – Speaker Abba’s
From Sola Ojo, Abuja
A staggering 14.3 million Nigerians, aged 15-64, use psychoactive substances, with the North-West geopolitical zone accounting for approximately three million drug users.
This alarming reality was revealed by the 2018 National Drug Use Survey conducted by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
The survey further showed that one in four drug users in Nigeria is female, while one in five suffers from drug use disorder.
The North-West zone, comprising Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara States, has the highest prevalence of drug use, with Kano topping the list at 16.0%.
Delivering a keynote address at the flag-off programme on sensitization campaign against drug abuse and domestic violence in the North West Zone on Monday , February 24, 2025, Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brig General Buba Marwa described the development as “a matter of urgent national importance”.
“I would like to begin by commending the National Orientation Agency (NOA) for organising this event and the Honourable Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, for facilitating this crucial initiative aimed at reorienting the people of the North-West geopolitical zone against the scourge of drug abuse.
“This effort is a testament to your commitment to building a society free from the devastating consequences of substance abuse.
“A closer look at the North West geopolitical zone, comprising Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara States, presents an even more concerning picture.
“With an estimated 25 million people in 2016, this zone remains the most populous in Nigeria. The survey estimated that 12% of the region’s population—approximately three million people—are drug users.
“The most commonly abused substances include cannabis, followed by the non-medical use of opioids such as tramadol, codeine, and morphine, as well as cough syrups containing codeine or dextromethorphan.
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“A state-by-state breakdown of drug use prevalence in the North-West shows that Kano has the highest rate at 16.0%, with approximately 1,070,000 drug users, followed by Zamfara at 13.5% (312,000 users), Kebbi at 12.6% (286,000 users), Katsina at 12.0% (481,000 users), Kaduna at 10.0% (462,000 users), Sokoto at 9.0% (230,000 users), and Jigawa at 7.0% (211,000 users).
“These figures are deeply troubling and underscore the urgent need for collective action to combat drug abuse and its devastating consequences”, he decried.
Meanwhile the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, at the event emphasized the urgent need to address drug abuse and domestic violence in Nigeria, particularly in the Northwest region.
He noted that the NDLEA reported a 25 percent rise in drug abuse in the region over the past three years, with a 28 percent increase in drug seizures in Kaduna State alone in 2023.
Domestic violence is also a significant concern, with nearly 35 percent of women nationwide experiencing some form of domestic violence. In the Northwest, the situation is even more alarming, with up to 40 percent of women in Kano experiencing domestic abuse.
“To address these challenges, the government has increased funding for the NDLEA, provided modern tools and training, and launched initiatives to expand rehabilitation centers and community-based outreach programs.
“The government has also introduced robust legal reforms and reinforced policies to protect victims of domestic violence”.
The Speaker, therefore called upon state governments, local government chairmen, and community leaders to support the initiative and work together to protect youth from drug abuse and uphold the rights and dignity of every citizen.
On his part, Director-General of National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, said the campaign, flagged off in Kaduna State, aimed to create awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and its link to violent crimes, mobilize communities to resist drug culture, and engage policymakers to strengthen laws and enforcement.
According to him, drug abuse is a national challenge that threatens the fabric of society, noting that, research has shown a direct link between drug abuse and violent crimes, including armed robbery, kidnapping, terrorism, domestic violence, and sexual assault.
“The campaign woul employ a multi-faceted approach, including town hall meetings, community engagement, advocacy visits, and a robust media campaign.
“The NOA is collaborating with stakeholders at federal, state, and local levels to ensure the success of the campaign”, he said.
