Drug Trade Fueling Nigeria's Insecurity, UN Warns

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has warned that the expanding illicit drug trade is becoming a major driver of insecurity in Nigeria, as criminal networks increasingly exploit synthetic drugs and changing trafficking routes to fuel violence and undermine national development.

The warning was delivered on Friday by the UNODC Country Representative to Nigeria, Cheikh Toure, during the commemoration of the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (World Drug Day) in Abuja.

Represented by Dr. Akanidomo Ibanga, Lead for Drug Demand Reduction at UNODC, Toure said the global drug landscape was evolving rapidly, creating new threats that demand coordinated, evidence-based and innovative responses.

Speaking on this year's theme, "The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses," the UNODC chief said Nigeria, as a major regional player, faces growing risks from the intersection of organised crime, illicit drug markets and insecurity.

"The rise of synthetic drugs, evolving trafficking routes and the intersection between drug economies and insecurity continue to challenge even the most robust systems," Toure said.

"Nigeria, as a key regional actor, is not immune to these dynamics. Indeed, the implications for public health, national security and sustainable development are profound."

According to him, the changing nature of the drug trade has made efforts to combat drug abuse and trafficking more complex, requiring stronger leadership, institutional reforms and greater collaboration among government agencies and stakeholders.

He however, noted that the current challenges also provide an opportunity for governments to adopt smarter and more strategic approaches rooted in research, data and international best practices.

Toure commended the Federal Government for maintaining what he described as a balanced drug control strategy that combines efforts to reduce drug supply, prevent drug abuse and uphold human rights.

He also praised the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Federal Ministry of Health and other partners for strengthening Nigeria's response to drug-related crimes and substance abuse.

"Innovation is not always about introducing entirely new ideas but about implementing proven interventions consistently, effectively and at scale," he said.

The UNODC representative disclosed that the agency is supporting Nigeria through the Children's Amplified Prevention Services (CHAMPS) initiative, a programme designed to prevent substance abuse by addressing risk factors before young people begin using drugs.

Rather than focusing on isolated awareness campaigns, he said the programme helps states establish long-term and sustainable prevention systems.

He added that UNODC is also working with Nigerian authorities to expand access to affordable, community-based drug treatment and rehabilitation services while improving the quality of care available to people battling substance use disorders.

According to Toure, the organisation is strengthening Nigeria's intelligence and data systems, including developing early warning mechanisms capable of detecting emerging drug trends, particularly the growing spread of synthetic drugs to support faster policy responses.

He said UNODC is equally promoting criminal justice reforms by encouraging alternatives to imprisonment for people with drug use disorders, arguing that treatment-focused approaches often deliver better outcomes than punitive measures alone.

The agency is also deploying digital technologies and capacity-building programmes to improve the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies, healthcare workers and social service institutions responding to emerging drug threats.

Toure stressed that Nigeria's drug challenge cannot be addressed through law enforcement alone, noting that drug abuse and trafficking are closely linked to youth unemployment, organised crime, poverty and other social vulnerabilities.

"Addressing the problem requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach," he said.

He called for greater political commitment, increased investment in prevention and rehabilitation programmes, stronger intelligence gathering, improved law enforcement coordination and sustained efforts to tackle the socio-economic conditions that make communities vulnerable to drug abuse and organised crime.

The UNODC official also acknowledged the role of civil society organisations, community leaders and people with lived experience, describing them as indispensable partners in building effective and inclusive drug control policies.

Reaffirming the agency's commitment to Nigeria, Toure said UNODC would continue to provide technical assistance, strategic partnerships and innovative solutions aimed at strengthening the country's capacity to combat drug trafficking while improving public health and national security.

"Together, we can turn today's challenges into tomorrow's progress," he said.