Analysis of drug abuse in Nigeria: New insights, innovative surveillance, and promising interventions

Abstract

Drug abuse remains a pressing public health concern in Nigeria, with increasing prevalence among adolescents and young adults. Recent reports from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) indicate that over 14.4% of the Nigerian populations (approximately 14.3 million people aged 15–64 years) have used psychoactive substances other than alcohol and tobacco, a rate significantly higher than the global average of 5.6%. Cannabis, tramadol, codeine, cocaine, and methamphetamine remain the most commonly abused substances, with cannabis accounting for nearly 10.8% of all cases. This study presents an in-depth analysis of drug abuse in Nigeria, highlighting emerging trends, socio-economic drivers, and the effectiveness of surveillance mechanisms. We employ a mixed-method approach using secondary data from NDLEA annual reports (2017–2023), WHO health statistics, and field surveys conducted across Lagos, Kano, and Rivers states. Findings reveal a disturbing rise in non-medical use of prescription opioids (especially tramadol above 200 mg dosage), linked to mental health issues, unemployment, and peer pressure. Innovative surveillance tools such as big data analytics, mobile health (mHealth) reporting systems, and AI-driven early warning networks are explored as promising solutions for real-time monitoring of drug consumption patterns. Furthermore, the article evaluates promising interventions, including community-based rehabilitation programs, ICT-driven awareness campaigns, and policy reforms that align with Nigeria’s National Drug Control Master Plan (2021–2025). The study concludes that integrating data-driven surveillance systems with holistic prevention and rehabilitation strategies will provide a sustainable framework to curb drug abuse in Nigeria.