By Ibironke Ariyo
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has called for urgent and evidence-based measures to tackle drug abuse in Nigeria.
Mr Danilo Campisi, Deputy Country Representative, UNODC Country Office in Nigeria made the call at a press briefing organised by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Wednesday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that World Drug Day is celebrated annually on June 26 globally.
Campisi emphasised the need for scientifically-backed strategies to address the growing drug problem in Nigeria.
He said that the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, or World Drug Day, was aimed to promote global cooperation and action towards a drug-free world.
Campisi said that this year’s theme, “The Evidence Is Clear, Let Us Invest In Prevention”, was particularly relevant for Nigeria, where youth involvement in drug use was alarmingly high.
According to the 2018 National Drug Use Survey, drug use prevalence in Nigeria stands at 14.4 percent, three times the global average, with the highest rates among those aged 25 to 39.
“Projections indicate a 40 percent increase in drug use in Africa by 2030, primarily due to the continent’s youthful population.
“The global drug problem presents a multifaceted challenge that touches the lives of millions worldwide.
“From individuals struggling with
substance use disorders to communities grappling with the consequences of drug trafficking and organised crime, the impact of drugs is far-reaching and complex.
“Central to addressing this challenge is the imperative to adopt a scientific evidence-based approach that prioritises prevention and treatment,” he said.
Campisi, however, said that UNODC had worked with the Government of Nigeria to adapt and implement evidence-based prevention measures.
This, he said, included the highly successful UNPLUGGED, a school-based Drug Prevention Programme implemented together with the Federal Ministry of Education.
“This initiative was developed in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education and supported by the MTN Foundation.
“Implemented in 110 Unity Schools and several states, including Kebbi, Bayelsa, and Kaduna, the program has shown significant success in reducing substance use among students and improving their academic performance.
“However, the UNPLUGGED program currently reaches only two percent of the school population, prompting calls for broader adoption by state governments and private schools.
“In addition to UNPLUGGED, UNODC has piloted other effective programmes in Nigeria. These include the Strengthening of the Family Programme and Strong Families, which focus on building family resilience against substance use,
“Other is the Line Up Live Up (LULU), a sports-based prevention program targeting out-of-school youth, and the Drug Education for School Children program, aimed at sensitising young students about the dangers of drug use, “ Campisi said.
The UNODC representative commended the European Union for its support in adapting and evaluating the UNPLUGGED program in Nigeria.
He reaffirmed the UNODC’s commitment to provide technical and normative support for these evidence-based prevention and treatment programs.
The press briefing was organised ahead of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
