By Mercy Gadia
The Federal Government on Thursday called for a balanced, evidence-based approach to drug control, pledging to strengthen prevention, treatment and access to essential medicines for patients with legitimate medical needs.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, stated this at the Maiden National Drug Use Summit held in Abuja on July 8 and 9.
Pate, who was represented by the Director of Food and Drug Services, Mrs Olufowobi-Yusuf Adeola, described drug use as a complex public health and development challenge requiring strategies beyond law enforcement.
Citing the 2018 United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime survey, he said 14.4 per cent of Nigerians aged 15 to 64 had used drugs, with cannabis being the most common, alongside rising misuse of opioids such as tramadol and codeine.
He warned that the growing burden of drug misuse poses serious risks to public health, national security and socio-economic development.
According to him, while efforts to curb illicit drug use must continue, the government has a responsibility to ensure patients suffering from severe pain—such as cancer, post-surgical conditions and sickle cell disease—have access to controlled medicines like morphine and pethidine.
“Denying patients appropriate pain relief due to fears of drug diversion is unacceptable. We must strike a balance between effective control and access to essential medicines,” he said.
Pate added that the Ministry would lead demand reduction efforts through prevention, treatment and rehabilitation, stressing that addiction is a medical condition that requires evidence-based care rather than stigma or punishment.
He disclosed that plans were underway to scale up screening and treatment services for substance use disorders across primary healthcare centres and general hospitals, while expanding rehabilitation centres and training health workers in medically assisted treatment.
The minister also said the government would strengthen accountability in the pharmaceutical supply chain by securing warehouses, deploying inventory systems and intensifying joint inspections to track controlled medicines from procurement to patient use.
He further noted that collaboration with the Ministries of Education, Youth and Women Affairs would be enhanced to promote drug prevention programmes and reduce stigma.
Pate commended the Kaduna State Government for its efforts in tackling drug abuse and urged other states to strengthen data systems, fund response plans and invest in rehabilitation services.
In his remarks, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, represented by Dr Abubakar Kana, said the fight against illicit drugs requires collective action from government institutions, communities, families and development partners.
He expressed concern over the impact of substance abuse on young Nigerians, linking it to rising cases of mental illness, unemployment and crime.
Akume said the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu prioritises mental health, youth empowerment and stronger institutions to address emerging social challenges.
Also speaking, Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), described the summit as timely, noting that it provides an opportunity to build consensus on a coordinated national response.
He urged participants to engage actively and produce actionable recommendations to strengthen prevention, treatment and policy implementation.
Marwa expressed optimism that sustained collaboration would significantly reduce drug abuse and promote a healthier society.
In a goodwill message, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Daju Kachollom, represented by Pharmacist Henrietta Bakura-Onyeneke, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring no Nigerian suffers due to lack of access to treatment or falls victim to drug misuse.