Global health organization supports Nigerian efforts to combat medication abuse and increase pharmaceutical availability

Nigeria is bolstering its efforts to combat the escalating issue of drug misuse, ensuring that patients who require controlled medicines for pain relief, mental health treatment, and palliative care can access them safely and promptly, according to the World Health Organisation.

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The WHO made this announcement in a statement released on Thursday, following the National Drug Use Summit, which gathered government officials, security agencies, development partners, civil society organisations, and health experts to fortify the country's response to substance abuse.

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Drug abuse remains a significant public health concern in Nigeria, particularly among young people, with authorities repeatedly cautioning about the widespread misuse of opioids such as tramadol, codeine-based cough syrups, and other prescription medicines.

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Beyond the health consequences, the problem has also been linked to rising cases of insecurity, mental health disorders, violence, and other social challenges across the country.

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According to the WHO, the summit demonstrated Nigeria's commitment to addressing the challenge through coordinated action while maintaining access to medicines needed for legitimate medical purposes.

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The National Drug Use Summit was convened by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, and the United Nations in Nigeria, with support from development partners, including the Global Fund, to advance the implementation of Nigeria's National Drug Control Master Plan.

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Nigeria is taking bold national action to protect young people and communities from drug misuse while ensuring safe access to essential medicines needed for pain relief, mental health care, and palliative care, as stated by the WHO.

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The National Drug Use Summit brought together government leaders, security agencies, civil society, and health experts to advance the National Drug Control Master Plan, with support from partners including The Global Fund.

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The global health agency noted that substance misuse continues to pose a significant threat to public health, particularly among young Nigerians.

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The WHO supported the summit by providing technical guidance aimed at ensuring that drug control policies do not undermine access to essential medicines for patients who genuinely need them.

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Drug misuse remains a major public health challenge affecting millions of Nigerians, with the 2019 UNODC/NDLEA survey finding that 14.4% of people aged 15 to 64 used drugs in the past year.

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The rising misuse of tramadol, codeine syrup, and prescription sedatives continues to impact young people and communities, according to the WHO.

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The WHO Nigeria supported the Summit with evidence-based guidance on balancing drug control with safe access to controlled medicines, strengthening regulatory systems, protecting medical access, and reducing the risk of diversion and misuse.

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One of the key outcomes of the summit was the adoption of a communiqué by participating organisations to reinforce the implementation of the National Drug Control Master Plan.

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A key outcome of the Summit was a Communique endorsed by partners to strengthen the pillars of the National Drug Control Master Plan, according to the WHO.

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Nigeria has, in recent years, intensified efforts to curb the abuse of illicit drugs and controlled substances through stronger law enforcement, public awareness campaigns, and expanded access to treatment and rehabilitation services.

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The National Drug Control Master Plan serves as the country's strategic framework for reducing drug demand and supply while promoting prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and international cooperation.