UNODC Calls for Action on Nigeria's Drug Crisis

During a conference in Abuja on Friday, Danilo Campisi, the Deputy Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Nigeria, called for stronger partnerships and innovative strategies to address the complex global drug problem. He emphasized that despite decades of intervention, the global drug issue remains a major public health and security challenge.

Campisi pointed out the alarming prevalence of drug use among young people in Nigeria, particularly with substances like cannabis and tramadol. He noted that only 2% of the estimated three million Nigerians living with drug dependence receive treatment, primarily due to stigma, cost, and limited services.

Campisi warned of the emerging threat posed by synthetic drugs and the digital drug market, which complicates treatment efforts. He advocated for a public health approach to drug use, integrating treatment services into primary healthcare systems and promoting community-based rehabilitation models.

Campisi stressed the importance of multi-sector collaboration to achieve sustainable results in combating drug abuse.