The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has revealed that over 14.3 million Nigerians are affected by drug abuse.
Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, NAFDAC’s Director General, made this known during the launch of the agency’s youth initiative, titled “Catch Them Young,” at Government Secondary School, Rumuokwuta, Port Harcourt, on Wednesday.
She cited research indicating that one in four high-risk drug users has been arrested for drug-related offences.
The arrests include 73% for drug possession, 12% for theft, 5% for sex work, 4% for burglary, and 2% for shoplifting.
“This data only reflects reported arrests,” Adeyeye emphasised. “When we consider unreported crimes, the scale of the issue becomes even more alarming.”
She highlighted the devastating impact of drug abuse on families, communities, and the nation’s socio-economic growth.
In response, Adeyeye explained that NAFDAC has implemented a targeted, coordinated program aimed at reducing drug abuse among secondary school students.
