The Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Mojisola Adeyeye, has revealed that approximately 14.3 million Nigerians are affected by drug abuse.
Adeyeye made this disclosure on Wednesday during the launch of the agency’s youth-focused initiative, Catch Them Young, at Government Secondary School, Rumuokwuta, Port Harcourt.
Citing research findings, Adeyeye highlighted the alarming prevalence of drug-related crimes among high-risk users.
“One out of every four high-risk drug users has been arrested for drug-related offences. Of these arrests, 73% were for drug possession, 12% for theft, 5% for sex work, 4% for burglary, and 2% for shoplifting,” she said.
The DG emphasized that the data only reflects reported cases, suggesting that the actual situation could be far worse. “When we consider that many crimes go unreported, it becomes evident that drug abuse poses a significant challenge to our society,” she added.
Adeyeye expressed concern over the devastating impact of drug abuse on families, communities, and the country’s socio-economic development. In response, NAFDAC initiated the Catch Them Young programme to tackle drug abuse among secondary school students.
“This initiative is not to frighten anyone but to engage in honest conversations that help students make informed decisions regarding illicit drug use, including alcohol consumption,” she stated.
The DG also pointed out that drug addiction can stem from both legal sources, such as prescription medications, and illicit substances.
Rivers State NAFDAC Coordinator, Onogwu Emmanuel, explained why the sensitization programme was targeted at secondary school students. “This age group is particularly vulnerable. As future leaders, they must take active roles in preventing drug abuse,” he said, adding that two schools were chosen from each of the state’s three senatorial zones for the pilot phase.
The principal of Government Secondary School, Rumuokwuta, Gladys Iheumamme, commended NAFDAC for the initiative. “This project is commendable, and I urge NAFDAC to sustain it to secure the future of our youths,” she remarked.
The Catch Them Young programme is part of NAFDAC’s broader efforts to reduce drug abuse prevalence and foster a healthier, drug-free society.
