The Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has raised an alarm that 14.3 million Nigerians are currently affected by drug abuse.
Prof. Adeyeye made this known during the launch of NAFDAC’s youth-focused initiative, “Catch Them Young,” at Government Secondary School, Rumuokwuta, in Port Harcourt.
Speaking to an audience of students, educators, and stakeholders, Adeyeye shared troubling statistics from recent research, noting that one in four high-risk drug users has been apprehended for drug-related crimes.
She further broke down the arrests, stating that 73% were for drug possession, 12% for theft, 5% for sex work, 4% for burglary, and 2% for shoplifting.
“This data only reflects reported cases and arrests. If we factor in unreported crimes, the scale of the issue becomes even more concerning,” Adeyeye stated, underscoring the pervasive nature of drug abuse in the country.
The NAFDAC DG also noted the devastating impact of drug abuse on families, communities, and the nation’s economic growth. In response to the crisis, she explained that the agency had launched a well-structured programme aimed at addressing the prevalence of substance abuse among secondary school students.
“This programme is not designed to scare anyone but to have honest conversations with you. This will help you make informed decisions with regards to illicit drug use, including alcohol consumption,” she explained.
Adeyeye noted that drug addiction could stem from both legal substances, such as prescription medication, and illegal drugs.
In a related address, the NAFDAC State Coordinator for Rivers State, Mr. Onogwu Emmanuel, outlined the reasons for targeting secondary school students.
He described them as a vulnerable group, stating, “The youth, as future leaders, must play an active role in the fight against drug abuse.” He added that two schools had been selected from each senatorial district in Rivers State for the pilot phase of the initiative.
Meanwhile, the principal of Government Secondary School, Mrs. Gladys Iheumamme, praised NAFDAC for the programme, calling it a timely intervention to safeguard the future of Nigerian youth. She appealed for the continuity of the project to ensure its long-term success.
The “Catch Them Young” initiative signals a proactive approach by NAFDAC to address the growing problem of substance abuse in Nigeria, with hopes of creating a healthier and more informed generation.
