NHRC urges quick action to tackle drug abuse among Nigerian youths

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Friday called for quick action against the rising use of drugs among Nigerian youths.

The commission made this call in a statement for this year’s International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

Tony Ojukwu, the NHRC executive secretary, said in the statement that everyone needs to work together to tackle this issue. He mentioned that “substance abuse, particularly among young people, has reached alarming levels and requires urgent and coordinated action from all stakeholders.”

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria said this situation is “a major threat to public health, security, human dignity, and national development.”

He added that while fighting substance abuse is important, it should follow human rights principles, the Constitution, the Mental Health Act 2021, the National Health Act 2022, and UN Drug Control Conventions.

He stressed the need for compassion in dealing with those struggling with drug dependence. “They should not be stigmatised, discriminated against, or subjected to inhuman or degrading treatment. Instead, they should have access to quality healthcare, rehabilitation, psychosocial support, and opportunities for reintegration into society,” Mr Ojukwu warned.

He pointed out that drug abuse can lead to human rights violations like domestic violence, crime, exploitation, human trafficking, and insecurity.

Mr Ojukwu said the NHRC is leading the way in “advocacy for a public health approach to drug use and its implications for harm reduction in Nigeria.”

Since 1987, the global community has marked 26 June as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. This day aims “to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse.”

While drug abuse is a worldwide issue, it has become a serious problem in Nigeria. Over 14.3 million people aged 15 to 64 are affected, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

The NHRC urged the National Assembly to create policies on drug use limits. These policies should also differentiate between those who use drugs for medical reasons and those who sell drugs, to avoid punishing those seeking help.

He also called on government agencies, civil society groups, families, schools, faith-based organisations, and community leaders to keep raising awareness among the youth.

Mr Ojukwu advised law enforcement agencies to keep up their efforts against illicit drug trafficking while respecting human rights standards.