The rising tide of drug and substance abuse among Nigerian youths has reached epidemic levels, health experts have warned. They raised the alarm at the annual Health Talk organised by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Zion Chapel, Lagos Province 57, Oregun, Ikeja, where medical professionals, law enforcement veterans, and academics convened to address the crisis and proffer solutions. The programme, themed “Drugs and Substance Abuse: Any Hope for the Youth?”, brought together a panel including Dr. Charles Davies, Medical Director of Brafus Specialist Hospital; Dr. Wale Ige, retired Assistant Commander of Narcotics, NDLEA; Dr. Henrietta Igbokwe, Head of Pharmaceutical Microbiology & Biotechnology, University of Lagos; and Dr. Yinka Anifowoshe, Anaesthetist at Gbagada General Hospital.
“An epidemic among our youths”
Citing the 2018 National Drug Use Survey by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Dr. Davies noted that 15% of Nigeria’s population aged 15–64 were drug users—almost three times the global average. “A significant portion of these are young people, some barely in their teens,” he said, describing the situation as “a national emergency.” Panelists identified cannabis, codeine-based syrups, tramadol, rohypnol, cocaine, and methamphetamine (“ice”) as the most commonly abused drugs.
Easy availability, peer pressure, unemployment, poverty, and poor parental supervision were listed as key drivers. Dr. Igbokwe explained that many youths experiment under peer influence, but economic despair and untreated mental health issues deepen the spiral. “For some, drugs are a misguided escape from depression, anxiety, or hopelessness,” she warned.
Culture, crime, and consequences
Experts decried the glamorisation of drug use in music, movies, and online content, which they said fosters a “dangerous normalisation” among young people. They linked drug abuse to a surge in cultism, armed robbery, domestic violence, and school dropouts, warning that the ripple effects threaten Nigeria’s future workforce, security, and productivity. “Drug abuse doesn’t just destroy individuals,” Dr. Ige stressed. “It tears families apart and undermines national development.”
Solutions and a way forward
Despite the grim picture, the panel expressed hope if urgent, coordinated action is taken. They recommended: Closer parental involvement and peer monitoring Drug education in schools Economic empowerment through jobs and vocational training Expanded mental health services, including counselling in schools and communities Stronger drug control, tighter borders, and stiffer penalties for offenders Rehabilitation and reintegration for users rather than criminalisation Greater engagement of youth through arts, music, and social media campaigns
A faith-based response
Host pastor, Rev. Godfrey Iluobe, said the initiative reflects a holistic Christian calling. “We sometimes focus only on the spiritual, neglecting the body that hosts the spirit and soul,” he said. “That’s why this campaign began—to make people more mindful of their health. This is our ninth consecutive year, and we thank God for the testimonies.” The church also showcased its outreach to a group of former street boys in Oregun—once notorious for drug use—now nicknamed the “Jesus Boys.”
Through weekly meals, prayers, and mentoring, the church’s youth arm has gradually drawn them closer to rehabilitation and faith. “These boys have a future,” Pastor Iluobe said. “The enemy tried to derail their destinies with drugs, but God has given them a second chance. We believe He will mould them into who they were created to be—fulfilling their dreams and God’s purpose for their lives.”
As the health talk closed, one thing was clear: drug abuse may be one of Nigeria’s most daunting challenges, but through a blend of medical expertise, government action, community vigilance, and faith-driven outreach, there remains hope for the nation’s youth.
