NHRC expresses concern over rising drug abuse

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has expressed concern over the increasing cases of drug abuse and illicit trafficking in Nigeria, describing the trend as a major threat to public health, security, human dignity, and national development.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Chief Tony Ojukwu, SAN, who stated this in a message to mark the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, noted that substance abuse, particularly among young people, has reached alarming levels and requires urgent and coordinated action from all stakeholders.

Ojukwu observed that while the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking remains critical, such efforts must be anchored in human rights principles.

He said the response should be guided by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which guarantees the rights to life, dignity, liberty, and fair hearing. It should also align with the Mental Health Act 2021, the National Health Act 2022, and Nigeria’s obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the UN Drug Control Conventions.

According to him, persons struggling with drug dependence should not be stigmatised, discriminated against, or subjected to inhuman or degrading treatment. Instead, they should have access to quality healthcare, rehabilitation, psychosocial support, and opportunities for reintegration into society.

The Executive Secretary further stressed that drug abuse fuels several human rights violations, including domestic violence, crime, exploitation, human trafficking, and insecurity. These, he said, undermine the enjoyment of fundamental rights and freedoms.

He stated that the Commission is at the forefront of advocacy for a public health approach to drug use and its implications for harm reduction in Nigeria. To this end, the Commission has, in recent times, consistently organised a national legislative forum and other programmes to promote public discourse on harm reduction as it relates to drug use in the country.

In this regard, the Commission called on the National Assembly to mainstream human rights into the proposed national policy on drug-use quantification thresholds. He urged lawmakers to ensure that the policy distinguishes between persons who use drugs for medicinal or therapeutic reasons and those who peddle or sell drugs, so that individuals seeking treatment are not criminalised.

Ojukwu called on government agencies, civil society organisations, families, educational institutions, faith-based organisations, and community leaders to intensify awareness campaigns aimed at preventing drug abuse, especially among children and youths.

He also urged law enforcement agencies to strengthen efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking while ensuring strict adherence to national and international human rights standards in the discharge of their duties.

The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to promote policies and programmes that address the root causes of drug abuse, including poverty, unemployment, social exclusion, and lack of access to education and mental health services.

The Commission called on all Nigerians to work collectively towards building a society free from drug abuse, where the rights, dignity, and well-being of every individual are protected and upheld.