NHRC Raises Alarm Over Drug Abuse Among Nigerian Youths
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued an urgent call for action to address the escalating rate of drug abuse among Nigerian youths. In a statement released on Friday to mark this year's International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the commission highlighted the severity of the crisis. Tony Ojukwu, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, emphasized that coordinated efforts from all stakeholders are essential to tackle this growing concern.
According to Ojukwu, substance abuse, particularly among young people, has reached alarming levels and poses a major threat to public health, security, human dignity, and national development. He stressed that the fight against drug abuse must be grounded in human rights principles, the Constitution, the Mental Health Act 2021, the National Health Act 2022, and United Nations Drug Control Conventions.
Human Rights Approach to Drug Abuse
Ojukwu called for empathy in dealing with individuals struggling with drug dependence, cautioning against stigmatization, discrimination, or inhuman treatment. He advocated for access to quality healthcare, rehabilitation, psychosocial support, and opportunities for reintegration into society. The NHRC is at the forefront of promoting a public health approach to drug use and harm reduction in Nigeria.
Drug abuse, Ojukwu noted, is a vehicle for human rights violations such as domestic violence, crime, exploitation, human trafficking, and insecurity. He urged law enforcement agencies to combat illicit drug trafficking while adhering to human rights standards.
International Day Against Drug Abuse
Since 1987, the international community has designated June 26 as the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The day aims to strengthen action and cooperation toward a drug-free society. In Nigeria, drug abuse has become a severe menace, affecting over 14.3 million people aged 15 to 64, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
Call for Policy and Awareness
The NHRC called on the National Assembly to develop policies on drug use quantification thresholds and to distinguish between persons who use drugs for medicinal or therapeutic reasons and drug sellers, to avoid criminalizing those seeking treatment. The commission also urged government agencies, civil society organizations, families, educational institutions, faith-based organizations, and community leaders to continue raising awareness among youth.
Ojukwu admonished law enforcement agencies to sustain efforts against illicit drug trafficking while respecting human rights. The NHRC remains committed to advocacy for a public health approach to drug use and its implications for harm reduction in Nigeria.
