During a Mental Health Summit in Akure, the Ondo State commissioner of health , Dr. Banjo Ajaka, expressed concern about the rising issue of drug abuse, noting that it is now a major Public Health problem in the country. The summit was organized by Niger Delta Youth Council / Health Circle Initiative in collaboration with Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). According to Ajaka, Nigeria is now widely known as a hub for drug trafficking and consumption, particularly among the youths.
Psychoactive substances have flooded the streets of Nigeria, as traffickers use the country as a gateway to transport it from Southeast–Asia and South America to Europe and North America. This has resulted in a wide range of these substances being readily accessible in Nigeria. Dr. Sajo Sunday, who represented the commissioner, said the government of Ondo state has achieved substantial advancements in addressing comorbid substance use disorders and other mental health issues. This progress has been made possible through the implementation of evidence-based prevention programs, policies, and integrated approaches led by dedicated health personnel.
Abuse of substances has an impact on mental health.
Also, the state government is actively working on establishing a rehabilitation center that will provide care for individuals struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues. It is crucial for all individuals to join forces with the state government in order to combat this unethical behaviour within our community. Special Adviser to the state Governor of Health Prof. Michael Odimayo highlighted the impact of substance abuse on mental health during his address at the summit focused on ‘Creation of Awareness And Building A Supportive Mental Health in Niger Delta Region’.
Odimayo emphasized the prevalence of mental health issues in society, attributing it to the detrimental impact of hard drug use on the younger generation. Speaking, Engr. Jator Abido, the National Coordinator of the Niger Delta Youth Council, suggested that incorporating mental health Education into school curriculums could destigmatize conversations about mental health and equip students with tools to manage their mental well-being. Abido said schools and communities should consider providing easily accessible and private counselling services to assist youth in difficult situations. He also mentioned that online counselling can be a beneficial option for individuals who may not have the ability to meet in person.
There has been a steady increase in cases among adolescents.
Substance abuse continues to plague our society, particularly affecting the younger generation. Despite the Nigerian Government and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) implementing policies to combat this issue, there has been a steady increase in cases among adolescents aged 10-25. A survey conducted in 2018 revealed that cannabis is the most frequently abused drug in Nigeria, with the revelation of the fact that it is predominantly cultivated in the southwestern part of the country.
Currently, the issue of the abuse in Nigeria has reached a critical point. According to a recent NDLEA report, about 14.3 million Nigerians are struggling with drug abuse, a shocking statistic. Thus, it is imperative for the government to work hand in hand with various organizations such as Civil Society groups and faith-based communities to put an end to substance abuse in the nation. Drugs like cannabis have not become widespread in every corner of the country. A troubling statistic was disclosed by the NDLEA indicating that 10.6 million individuals in Nigeria had consumed cannabis in 2022.
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Research conducted on how Nigerian youths view substance abuse revealed that one of the primary outcomes is dependence and addiction. This is described by persistent and compulsive behaviour of drug seeking even when facing negative outcomes. As a result, Nigeria needs to focus on combating this issue to protect the future leaders and professionals. The rise in prevalence of small alcohol packets and plastic bottles contribute to an increase in substance abuse among young people. Therefore, it is crucial for the government to prioritize maintaining order and promoting the well-being of the public, even if it means sacrificing short-term profits.
