Global health body throws weight behind Nigeria’s crackdown on substance abuse while demanding safe access to pain relief and mental health treatments
The World Health Organisation has thrown its full support behind Nigeria’s escalating battle against drug misuse but with a crucial caveat: the crackdown must not deny essential medicines to patients who genuinely need them.
The endorsement came Thursday following the National Drug Use Summit in Abuja, where government officials, security agencies, and health experts gathered to strengthen the country’s response to a spiraling substance abuse crisis.
With 14.4% of Nigerians aged 15–64 using drugs—according to a 2019 UNODC/NDLEA survey—the stakes couldn’t be higher. Tramadol, codeine-laced cough syrups, and prescription sedatives are wreaking havoc on young people and communities, fueling insecurity, mental health disorders, and violence.
But WHO stressed a delicate balance: drug control policies must not block access to controlled medicines for legitimate medical needs including pain relief, palliative care, and mental health treatment.
“The Summit demonstrated Nigeria’s commitment to addressing the challenge through coordinated action while maintaining access to medicines needed for legitimate medical purposes,” WHO stated.
Convened by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the NDLEA, and UN Nigeria with support from partners including The Global Fund the summit advanced the National Drug Control Master Plan.
A key outcome was a communiqué endorsed by partners to reinforce the Plan’s pillars: reducing drug demand and supply while promoting prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and international cooperation.
WHO provided technical guidance to ensure Nigeria’s drug policies don’t inadvertently harm patients.
“This work strengthens regulatory systems, protects medical access, and reduces the risk of diversion and misuse,” the agency said.
For Nigeria, the message is clear: win the war on drugs but don’t lose the patients in the process.
