By Fatima Saka
The Federal Government has launched the Needle Syringe Program Guidelines as part of its efforts to address drug demand and harm reduction in Nigeria.
The initiative was unveiled on Tuesday in Abuja during the ongoing four-day National Technical Working Group meeting on Drug Demand and Harm Reduction Programme, organized by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
Representing the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Muhammad Pate, Dr. Salaudeen Jimoh, Director of Hospital Services at the ministry, emphasized the urgency of addressing substance use in Nigeria.
The Scope of Drug Use in Nigeria
Prof Pate noted that in 2018, with support from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Nigeria conducted a national drug use survey to counter skepticism about the prevalence of drug abuse. The findings were alarming: 14.3 million Nigerians were identified as users of substances such as cocaine, heroin, and opioids.
“This outcome confirmed that drug use is a serious public health crisis in Nigeria,” he said. “In response, the Minister of Health and even the President took action. The National Drug Control Master Plan was developed and signed into law, leading to the establishment of drug demand reduction and harm reduction strategies.”
He explained that drug use occurs in multiple ways, including oral consumption and injection, with injection use posing greater risks due to needle sharing, infections, and overdose-related deaths.
The Dangers of Injection Drug Use
“The use of injections is particularly dangerous because of the risks associated with needles,” the coordinating minister warned. “Improper injection techniques can introduce air into the bloodstream, causing sudden death. Additionally, once addiction sets in, particularly with opioids, withdrawal can be life-threatening if not properly managed.”
He further highlighted how overdoses contribute to crime and fatalities. “There have been cases where people engaged in robbery, then collapsed due to drug overdose. This happens because high doses suppress the respiratory system, leading to unconsciousness or even death.”
Introducing Harm Reduction Strategies
Prof Pate outlined the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 10-component harm reduction model, emphasizing that Nigeria has been implementing several of these strategies even before formalizing its guidelines.
‘One key intervention is the Naloxone program, which provides life-saving medication to reverse opioid overdoses. Additionally, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is now available to help individuals recover from opioid addiction using drugs like methadone and buprenorphine.
“We studied how other countries implement these treatments before finalizing Nigeria’s policy document on medication-assisted treatment,” he said. “Now, the necessary medications are available in Nigeria, and standard operating procedures have been developed to ensure safe and effective use.”
Pilot Program in Gombe State
The harm reduction program is set to begin with a pilot phase in Gombe State, where drug injection rates are reportedly high. According to the Coordinating Minister, the Gombe State Government is fully on board, providing infrastructure and support to empower drug users during their rehabilitation.
“We chose Gombe because the state government is proactive and willing to collaborate. They are even offering empowerment programs to help recovering drug users reintegrate into society,” he said.
Currently, all services in the Gombe pilot program, including the needle syringe program and MAT, are free, thanks to support from international partners.
Addressing Stigma and Law Enforcement Concerns
The coordinating called for an end to the stigma surrounding drug users, emphasizing that addiction is a medical condition, not a crime.
“The era of treating drug users as criminals is over. We need to help them get treatment rather than shaming or arresting them,” he stressed. “This program is not for drug traffickers; it is for individuals struggling with addiction. They deserve care, support, and a chance to recover.”
He noted that Nigeria’s law enforcement agencies, including the NDLEA, the Nigerian Police Force, and the DSS, are now collaborating with the health ministry to ensure drug users receive medical support rather than punitive action.
Looking Ahead
Dr. Jimoh emphasized that after the Gombe pilot, the program would be scaled up nationwide, incorporating lessons learned from the initial phase.
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“Drug use is a learned behavior, and with the right treatment, psychosocial support, and empowerment, individuals can unlearn it and reintegrate into society as responsible members,” he concluded.
Gombe State’s Commitment to the Program
Dr. Habu Dahiru, Gombe State Commissioner of Health, affirmed the state’s readiness to implement the program, acknowledging the rising incidence of substance abuse across all demographics.
“We used to think drug use was limited to out-of-school youths, but we now see that it cuts across all classes—including professionals and even VIPs,” he said. “We believe that rehabilitating these individuals will not only improve their lives but also benefit the economy and society as a whole.”
The Federal Government hopes this initiative will mark a turning point in Nigeria’s fight against substance abuse, offering both medical treatment and social support to those in need.
