The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has raised alarm over the rising cases of drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria, warning that the trend poses serious risks to public health, national security, human dignity and development.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu, gave the warning in a message marking the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, describing substance abuse—especially among young people—as an escalating crisis that requires urgent national attention.
Ojukwu said efforts to tackle drug abuse must be grounded in human rights principles and the rule of law, in line with the 1999 Constitution, the Mental Health Act 2021 and the National Health Act 2022.
He also referenced international obligations, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and UN drug control conventions.
According to him, people struggling with drug dependence should not face stigma or discrimination but must be provided access to healthcare, rehabilitation, psychosocial support and reintegration programmes.
He noted that drug abuse has become a driver of several social problems, including domestic violence, crime, human trafficking, exploitation and rising insecurity across communities.
Ojukwu said the NHRC has consistently advocated a public health and harm-reduction approach to drug use, including legislative engagements aimed at improving policy responses.
He urged the National Assembly to ensure that proposed drug policies include human rights safeguards and clearly distinguish between drug users needing treatment and traffickers involved in illegal distribution.
The NHRC boss also called on government agencies, civil society, schools, faith-based organisations and community leaders to intensify awareness campaigns against drug abuse, especially among young people.
He further urged law enforcement agencies to strengthen efforts against trafficking while ensuring compliance with human rights standards.
Ojukwu reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to working with stakeholders to address the root causes of drug abuse, including poverty, unemployment, social exclusion and poor access to education and mental health services.
He called for collective action to build a society where citizens’ rights, dignity and well-being are protected.
