Saturday, February 15, 2025

The Cost of Drug Abuse: 14.3 Million Nigerians Affected, NAFDAC Warns

About 14.3 million Nigerians are affected by drug abuse, according to Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

She revealed the figures during the inauguration of NAFDAC’s youth-targeted programme, Catch Them Young, held at Government Secondary School, Rumuokwuta, Port Harcourt.

The initiative, which focuses on secondary school students, aims to curb drug addiction through education and capacity-building. “This programme is not designed to scare anyone but to encourage informed decisions regarding drug use, including alcohol consumption,” said Adeyeye.

Arrest Statistics

NAFDAC data highlights the scale of the issue, showing that one in four high-risk drug users has been arrested for drug-related crimes. Of these arrests, 73% involved drug possession, 12% theft, 5% sex work, 4% burglary, and 2% shoplifting. Adeyeye warned, “This data only captures reported cases. The real situation is much worse.”

Vulnerability Among Students

Speaking at the event, Rivers State NAFDAC Coordinator, Onogwu Emmanuel, underscored the decision to focus on secondary school students, describing them as “the most vulnerable.” Two schools from each of Rivers State’s three senatorial zones are part of the programme’s pilot phase.

Community Support

Gladys Iheumamme, the principal of Government Secondary School, Rumuokwuta, lauded NAFDAC for the initiative, urging the agency to sustain its efforts. “This programme is vital to saving the future of Nigerian youth,” she said.

READ MORE: Subsidy Era Masked Nigeria’s Debt Crisis, Economic Realities – Taiwo Oyedele

NAFDAC’s Catch Them Young programme emphasizes awareness as a tool to prevent drug addiction, a problem affecting families, society, and the nation’s socio-economic stability.

Hot this week

NUC Tightens Rules for Private University Licensing with 14-Step Approval Process

Nigeria's National Universities Commission (NUC) has introduced a comprehensive...

Ghana Targets Payroll Corruption With Probe Into 81,000 ‘Ghost Names

Ghana’s government has launched an investigation into 81,000 suspected...

From Energy to Education: African Startups Raise $289 Million in a Record January

African startups began 2025 on a high note, securing...

Nigeria’s Non-Oil Exports Surge by 20.7%, Trade Volume Hits 7.2 Million Metric Tons

Nigeria’s non-oil export sector is making waves, with trade...

NDLEA Tightens Grip on Drug Traffickers, Seizes Heroin and Other Illicit Substances Across Nigeria

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intensified...

Kenya’s Rose Exports Wither Under Pests, EU Regulations

Kenya's $1 billion flower export industry, a lifeline for...

How Nigeria Spends ₦407 Billion on Fuel Imports in 12 Days

Nigeria's state-owned oil firm, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company...

Tinubu Joins African Union Summit to Push for Reparatory Justice, Economic Development

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia,...

NUC Tightens Rules for Private University Licensing with 14-Step Approval Process

Nigeria's National Universities Commission (NUC) has introduced a comprehensive...

MTN Hikes Data Prices as NCC Approves 50% Tariff Increase

MTN Nigeria has raised its data subscription prices following...

Ghana Targets Payroll Corruption With Probe Into 81,000 ‘Ghost Names

Ghana’s government has launched an investigation into 81,000 suspected...

Nigeria Halts Implementation of 4% FOB Charge to Refine Customs Framework

The Nigerian government has suspended the implementation of a...

Nigeria’s Dangote Refinery Reduces Diesel Prices for the Third Time Since Launch

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has cut the gantry price...

Related Articles

Popular Categories