By Ibironke Ariyo
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has called for a coordinated, health-centred and evidence-based response to address illicit drug use and trafficking in Nigeria.
The UNODC Country Representative, Mr Cheikh Toure, made the call at the National Drug Use Summit in Abuja.
Toure, who was represented by the Lead, Drug Demand Reduction, UNODC, Dr Akanidomo Ibanga, said that the evolving nature of drug use in Nigeria required urgent, coordinated and practical action by all stakeholders.
The summit, jointly organised by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the UNODC, had the theme: “Addressing Illicit Drug Use and Trafficking: A Call to National Action.”
Toure commended the Federal Government, particularly the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the NDLEA, for convening the summit and demonstrating commitment to addressing Nigeria’s drug challenge through collaboration.
He also acknowledged the contributions of government ministries and agencies, civil society organisations, the private sector and development partners toward tackling the menace.
According to him, the UN remains united in supporting Nigeria through a comprehensive, balanced and evidence-based approach spanning public health, governance, prevention, treatment, data systems and human rights.
He said the changing pattern of drug use, characterised by the emergence of new psychoactive substances and evolving trafficking trends, required stakeholders to respond with urgency and clarity.
“Beyond the statistics are lives, families, communities and futures that depend on the strength of our collective response,” he said.
Toure described the summit as more than a gathering, saying it provided an opportunity to align efforts, reaffirm commitment to the National Drug Control Master Plan and translate policies into practical and measurable actions.
He particularly commended Kaduna State for adopting a public health-oriented approach to drug control through institutional reforms and stronger inter-agency coordination.
“The state’s experience provides a model that can be replicated across the federation,” he emphasised.
The UNODC representative also lauded the private sector, particularly MTN Nigeria, for supporting the country’s drug response through strategic public-private partnerships.
He said discussions at the summit would focus on understanding the changing drug landscape, strengthening prevention systems, expanding treatment and rehabilitation services.
This, he said, would also include promoting alternative development initiatives and mobilising sustainable financing.
Toure said the UN expects the summit to come up with suggestions on how to build a stronger national consensus around a balanced and health-centred drug control strategy integrating prevention, treatment, recovery and law enforcement.
“The UN expects clear and actionable commitments from federal and state governments, development partners and other stakeholders.
“This will help to strengthen coordination, expand services and address existing gaps in the country’s drug response.
“The UN also expects renewed commitment to sustainable financing and accountability to ensure that resolutions reached at the summit are backed with adequate resources and effectively implemented,” he said.
Toure said the proposed national declaration, financing compact and accountability mechanism expected to emerge from the summit should serve as practical instruments for driving measurable change rather than mere policy documents.
He reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in strengthening institutions, building capacity and ensuring that no one affected by drug use and trafficking was left behind.
“The effectiveness of our response will depend not only on what we say here, but on what we do after we leave this room.
“Let us move from dialogue to delivery, from commitment to action and from intention to impact in building a safer, healthier and more secure Nigeria,” he said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza