Nigeria Advocates Balanced Drug Control Approach at Summit

The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to implementing a balanced, evidence-based, human-centered approach to drug control, integrating public health and security. This was articulated by Prof.

Muhammad Ali Pate during a keynote address delivered on behalf of Mr. Olufowobi Yusuf Adeola, Director of the Food and Drug Services at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, at the inaugural National Drug Use Summit held in Abuja.

The summit addressed the complex public health and development issues surrounding drug use in Nigeria. A 2018 survey by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) indicated that 14.4% of Nigerians aged 15-64 reported using cannabis, with increasing misuse of prescription opioids like tramadol and codeine.

The government aims to adopt comprehensive strategies that extend beyond law enforcement, ensuring that patients suffering from severe pain due to conditions such as cancer and sickle cell disease have access to controlled medications like morphine and pethidine.