The Federal Government has called for a balanced, evidence-based approach to drug control, stressing that efforts to curb illicit drug use must not come at the expense of patients who require controlled medicines for legitimate medical needs.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, made this known at the Maiden National Drug Use Summit held from July 8 to 9 at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja. The minister, represented by the Director of Food and Drug Services, Mrs. Olufowobi-Yusuf Adeola, emphasized that drug control policies must integrate public health, security, prevention, treatment, and access to essential medicines.
Describing drug use as a complex public health and development challenge, Pate cited a 2018 United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) survey indicating that 14.4 per cent of Nigerians aged 15 to 64 had used drugs. He noted that cannabis remains the most commonly used substance, alongside the growing misuse of prescription opioids such as tramadol and codeine, as well as emerging psychoactive substances.
He warned that the rising burden of drug misuse poses serious threats to public health, national security, and socio-economic development, calling for strategies that go beyond law enforcement.
“While we intensify efforts to curb illicit drug use, we must also ensure that patients suffering severe pain—such as those with cancer, post-surgical conditions, or sickle cell disease—have access to controlled medicines like morphine and pethidine,” he said, stressing that denying pain relief due to fear of drug diversion is unacceptable.
Pate reiterated that addiction should be treated as a medical condition requiring evidence-based care rather than stigma or punishment. He said the ministry would scale up screening, treatment, and rehabilitation services across primary healthcare centres and general hospitals, while expanding accredited rehabilitation facilities and training more health workers in medically assisted treatment.
The minister also disclosed plans to strengthen accountability within the pharmaceutical supply chain by securing narcotics warehouses, deploying inventory management systems, and enhancing joint inspections with regulatory agencies to ensure proper tracking of controlled medicines.
He further highlighted the need for inter-ministerial collaboration, particularly with the Ministries of Education, Youth, and Women Affairs, to implement evidence-based drug prevention programmes in schools and communities, while reducing stigma associated with substance use disorders.
Pate commended the Kaduna State Government for its efforts in tackling drug abuse and urged other states to take ownership by strengthening data systems, funding tailored response plans, and investing in treatment and rehabilitation services.
In his remarks, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, represented by Dr. Abubakar Ibrahim Kana, described the fight against illicit drugs as a collective responsibility involving government institutions, communities, families, healthcare providers, and international partners.
He expressed concern over the growing impact of substance abuse on young Nigerians, linking it to rising cases of mental illness, family breakdown, unemployment, and crime. Akume reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to strengthening healthcare systems, promoting mental health, and empowering young people.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier-General Muhammad Buba Marwa (Rtd), described the summit as timely, noting that it aligns with global calls for innovative and collaborative responses to drug challenges.
Marwa said the summit provides an opportunity to build consensus on a coordinated national action plan focused on prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, policy implementation, and community resilience. He urged participants to engage actively and generate practical, actionable solutions.
In a goodwill message, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, represented by Pharmacist Henrietta Bakura-Onyeneke, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to ensuring that no Nigerian suffers needless pain due to lack of access to essential medicines, while also preventing drug misuse.
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The summit brought together policymakers, security agencies, healthcare professionals, civil society organisations, and development partners to chart a unified response to Nigeria’s growing drug use challenge.
Stakeholders expressed optimism that its outcomes would lead to reduced drug initiation among young people, improved access to treatment and pain management, and stronger community-based prevention efforts across the country.
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