The National Human Rights Commission has expressed concern over the rising incidence of drug abuse and illicit trafficking in Nigeria, describing the trend as a serious threat to public health, national security, human dignity and sustainable development.
In a statement to mark the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Chief Tony Ojukwu, OFR, SAN, called for a coordinated national response rooted in human rights principles rather than stigma and discrimination.
Ojukwu noted that substance abuse, particularly among young people, had reached alarming levels, stressing that efforts to tackle the menace must be guided by the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, the Mental Health Act 2021, the National Health Act 2022, and Nigeria’s obligations under relevant international human rights treaties.
He maintained that individuals battling drug dependence should be treated with dignity and compassion, not criminalised or subjected to degrading treatment.
According to him, affected persons should have access to quality healthcare, rehabilitation services, psychosocial support and opportunities for reintegration into society.
The NHRC boss warned that drug abuse contributes to a range of human rights violations, including domestic violence, crime, human trafficking, exploitation and insecurity, thereby undermining the enjoyment of fundamental rights and freedoms.
He said the Commission had continued to champion a public health approach to drug use through advocacy on harm reduction, including the organisation of national legislative forums and other programmes aimed at promoting informed public discourse.
Ojukwu also urged the National Assembly to incorporate human rights safeguards into the proposed national policy on drug use quantification thresholds, ensuring a clear distinction between individuals using drugs for medicinal or therapeutic purposes and those engaged in illicit drug trafficking.
He said such measures would prevent people seeking treatment from being unnecessarily criminalised.
The Executive Secretary further called on government agencies, civil society organisations, families, educational institutions, faith-based groups and community leaders to intensify awareness campaigns targeted at preventing drug abuse, especially among children and young people.
He also urged law enforcement agencies to strengthen the fight against illicit drug trafficking while ensuring full compliance with national and international human rights standards.
Reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to addressing the root causes of drug abuse, Ojukwu said the NHRC would continue collaborating with stakeholders to promote policies tackling poverty, unemployment, social exclusion and inadequate access to education and mental health services.
He called on 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.
