Ahmadu Bello Foundation Warns of Youth Drug Abuse Crisis

The Ahmadu Bello Foundation, through its Director General Abubakar Umar, has expressed alarm over the increasing rate of drug abuse among Nigerian youth, warning that the trend could undermine the nation's socio-economic stability. In a statement following a virtual mentorship program, expert Muhammad Kasim highlighted the serious implications of this growing menace, citing alarming statistics from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, which indicate a drug use prevalence rate of 14.4% in Nigeria, affecting approximately 14.3 million people.

Young people constitute a significant proportion of those affected, making this issue a major concern for national development. The foundation noted that the rising availability and consumption of synthetic drugs among youth pose serious threats to public health, economic productivity, national security, and social stability.

Consequences include increased addiction cases, mental health disorders, heightened pressure on healthcare systems, a decline in workforce productivity, higher crime rates, and weakened family structures. The foundation particularly observed that northern Nigeria faces heightened vulnerability due to socio-economic challenges such as poverty, unemployment, and low school enrollment.