NAFDAC reports 14.3 million Nigerians are victims of drug abuse, launching a youth programme to combat the crisis in secondary schools
The Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Mojisola Adeyeye, has revealed that approximately 14.3 million Nigerians are victims of drug abuse.
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She made this disclosure at the inaugural ceremony of NAFDAC’s youth programme, *Catch Them Young*, held on Wednesday at Government Secondary School, Rumuokwuta, Port Harcourt.
Adeyeye cited research indicating that one in four high-risk drug users has been arrested for drug-related offences, with 73 per cent of arrests linked to drug possession.
Other offences include theft (12 per cent), sex work (five per cent), burglary (four per cent), and shoplifting (two per cent).
“This data represents only reported arrests; when we consider unreported crimes, the scale of the problem becomes even more alarming,” she stated.
The NAFDAC DG emphasised the negative effects of drug abuse on families, communities, and the nation’s socio-economic development.
To combat the growing crisis, NAFDAC has launched a comprehensive programme aimed at reducing drug abuse among secondary school students, a group identified as particularly vulnerable.
“This programme is not meant to scare but to encourage honest conversations that will empower young people to make informed decisions regarding illicit drug use, including alcohol consumption,” Adeyeye explained.
The initiative will begin with a pilot phase in six secondary schools, two from each senatorial zone in Rivers State.
NAFDAC Rivers State Coordinator, Onogwu Emmanuel, noted that the programme targets youth because they are most vulnerable and represent the future of Nigeria.
Gladys Iheumamme, Principal of Government Secondary School, Rumuokwuta, commended NAFDAC for the initiative and stressed the importance of sustaining the project to protect Nigeria’s youth from the devastating impact of drug abuse.
NAFDAC’s efforts align with a broader goal to sensitise communities, involve stakeholders, and address the root causes of drug addiction.
