The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has raised fresh alarm over the rising wave of drug abuse among Nigerian youths, warning that the growing menace poses a serious threat to public health, national security and socio-economic development.
The Commission urged government at all levels to adopt a human rights-based approach to tackling the drug crisis, insisting that enforcement should not rely solely on punishment but also prioritise treatment, rehabilitation and reintegration.
In a statement issued on Friday to mark the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Tony Ojukwu, described the increasing rate of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking as a national emergency requiring urgent and coordinated intervention.
According to him, Nigeria’s response to drug abuse must be guided by the provisions of the 1999 Constitution and international human rights obligations.
Ojukwu stressed that every enforcement strategy should respect citizens’ rights to life, dignity, liberty and fair hearing as guaranteed under the Constitution, as well as relevant provisions of the Mental Health Act 2021, the National Health Act 2022 and international treaties signed by Nigeria.
He warned against stigmatising or criminalising people battling drug dependence, insisting they deserve access to healthcare, rehabilitation services, psychosocial support and programmes that will help them reintegrate into society.
“People struggling with drug dependence should not be subjected to stigma, discrimination or degrading treatment. They should be supported with quality healthcare and rehabilitation services,” he said.
The NHRC boss further linked drug abuse to rising cases of domestic violence, violent crime, human trafficking and insecurity, noting that the crisis continues to undermine the enjoyment of fundamental human rights across the country.
He disclosed that the Commission had consistently championed a public health approach to drug control through national legislative engagements and advocacy for harm-reduction policies.
Ojukwu also called on the National Assembly to incorporate strong human rights safeguards into the proposed national policy on drug use quantification thresholds.
He urged lawmakers to clearly distinguish between individuals using controlled substances for legitimate medicinal or therapeutic purposes and those engaged in illicit drug trafficking, warning that people seeking treatment should not be criminalised.
While calling on security agencies to intensify the crackdown on drug traffickers, he urged them to conduct their operations strictly in line with national and international human rights standards.
The NHRC also appealed to government agencies, civil society organisations, schools, religious bodies and community leaders to intensify awareness campaigns aimed at protecting children and young people from substance abuse.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the root causes of drug abuse, including poverty, unemployment, social exclusion, inadequate access to education and limited mental healthcare services, particularly among Nigeria’s growing youth population.
