WHO backs Nigeria's push to curb drug misuse, expand medicine access

ABUJA — Nigeria has intensified efforts to curb drug misuse while protecting patients' access to controlled medicines for pain relief, mental health treatment and palliative care, the World Health Organisation said on Thursday. The global health agency issued the assessment after the National Drug Use Summit, convened in Abuja by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and UN Nigeria, with support from partners including the Global Fund. The meeting advanced implementation of the country's National Drug Control Master Plan, WHO said. ## Nigeria drug misuse drives health and security toll Drug misuse remains a major public health challenge in Nigeria, particularly among young people, with authorities repeatedly warning of widespread abuse of opioids such as tramadol, codeine-based cough syrups and prescription sedatives, according to WHO. The agency linked the problem to rising insecurity, mental health disorders and violence. A key outcome of the summit was a communiqué endorsed by partners to strengthen the pillars of the National Drug Control Master Plan, WHO said. The 2019 UNODC/NDLEA survey found that 14.4 per cent of Nigerians aged 15 to 64 had used drugs in the past year. WHO Nigeria said it provided technical guidance to balance drug control with safe access to essential medicines, reducing the risk of diversion and misuse. ## Wider relevance The summit reflects a broader African shift toward treating substance abuse as a public-health issue rather than solely a law-enforcement matter, while safeguarding medical supply chains for legitimate use. Related coverage: [Nigeria's mental health reforms](/health/nigeria-mental-health-policy-tracker) and [NHIA health insurance expansion](/health/nhia-health-insurance-enrolment). **External authority links:** WHO (who.int), UNODC/NDLEA 2019 survey. **Sources** - https://healthwise.punchng.com/who-backs-nigerias-push-to-curb-drug-misuse-expand-medicine-access/ *Source Reporters corrects errors promptly. Report corrections to corrections@sourcereporters.com.*