The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has called for a coordinated, health centred and evidence based approach to tackling illicit drug use and trafficking in Nigeria, urging stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and translate policy commitments into concrete action.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the UNODC Country Representative, Mr Cheikh Toure, made the call at the National Drug Use Summit in Abuja. He was represented by the organisation’s Lead for Drug Demand Reduction, Dr Akanidomo Ibanga.
The summit, organised jointly by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the UNODC, had the theme, “Addressing Illicit Drug Use and Trafficking: A Call to National Action.”
Toure commended the Federal Government, particularly the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the NDLEA, for convening the summit and demonstrating commitment to addressing Nigeria’s drug challenge through collaboration.
He also acknowledged the contributions of government ministries and agencies, civil society organisations, development partners and the private sector in supporting efforts to combat illicit drug use and trafficking.
According to Toure, the United Nations remains committed to supporting Nigeria through a comprehensive and balanced strategy that promotes public health, prevention, treatment, good governance, data driven interventions and respect for human rights.
He said the changing pattern of drug use, marked by the emergence of new psychoactive substances and evolving trafficking methods, requires urgent and coordinated action.
“Beyond the statistics are lives, families, communities and futures that depend on the strength of our collective response,” he said.
Toure described the summit as an opportunity to align national efforts, renew commitment to the National Drug Control Master Plan and convert policy decisions into practical and measurable outcomes.
He commended Kaduna State for adopting a public health oriented approach to drug control through institutional reforms and stronger inter agency collaboration, describing the state’s experience as a model that could be replicated across the country.
The UNODC representative also praised MTN Nigeria for supporting Nigeria’s drug response through strategic public private partnerships.
He said discussions at the summit would focus on understanding the evolving drug landscape, strengthening prevention systems, expanding treatment and rehabilitation services, promoting alternative development initiatives and mobilising sustainable financing.
Toure expressed optimism that the summit would build a stronger national consensus on a balanced drug control strategy that integrates prevention, treatment, recovery and law enforcement.
He said the UN expects the meeting to produce clear and actionable commitments from the Federal Government, state governments, development partners and other stakeholders to strengthen coordination, expand access to services and address gaps in the country’s response to drug related challenges.
He added that renewed commitment to sustainable financing and accountability would be essential to ensure that resolutions reached at the summit are adequately funded and effectively implemented.
According to him, the proposed national declaration, financing compact and accountability mechanism expected to emerge from the summit should serve as practical tools for delivering measurable results.
Toure reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in strengthening institutions, building capacity and ensuring that no one affected by drug use and trafficking is left behind.
“The effectiveness of our response will depend not only on what we say here, but on what we do after we leave this room.
“Let us move from dialogue to delivery, from commitment to action and from intention to impact in building a safer, healthier and more secure Nigeria,” he said.
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