Temitayo Olumofe
The laughter of Nigerian youths once echoed with hope and promise, but today, many are trapped in the shadows of drug addiction and mental illness. This silent crisis threatens not only individual lives but the future of the nation itself. Behind the statistics lie real stories of pain, struggle, and a call for urgent action.
A recent United Nations report has exposed a startling reality: 14.4 percent of Nigerians aged 15 to 64 abuse drugs, a figure nearly three times the global average. This means that millions of young Nigerians are caught in the grip of substance abuse, with devastating consequences.More troubling is that one in five drug users suffers from mental health disorders that require urgent treatment.
Psychiatric studies conducted in correctional facilities reveal that 82.5 percent of adolescent boys in these institutions suffer from psychiatric disorders. The most common conditions include disruptive behaviour disorders (40.8 percent), substance use disorders (15.8 percent), anxiety disorders (14.2 percent), psychosis (6.7 percent), and mood disorders (5 percent).
Professor Olurotimi Coker, a psychiatrist and clinical psychologist at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), sounded the alarm on this growing mental health crisis. Citing World Health Organization data, he noted that 14 percent of adolescents worldwide experience mental health issues, with suicide being a leading cause of death among those aged 15 to 29. He emphasized the urgent need for early interventions to prevent a worsening situation.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has been at the forefront of Nigeria’s battle against this menace. Between January 2021 and March 2025, the agency arrested 62,595 suspects, including 68 drug barons, and secured 11,628 convictions. They also seized over 10.3 million kilograms of illicit drugs. Despite these efforts, the problem remains deeply entrenched.
The drug abuse crisis is not limited to urban centers. In Kogi State, for example, authorities destroyed 25 tons of illicit drugs in a public ceremony, underscoring the magnitude of the problem nationwide. Cannabis, tramadol, rohypnol, and diazepam were among the substances destroyed, highlighting the diversity of drugs abused by Nigerian youths.
Drug trafficking and abuse have far-reaching consequences beyond individual health. They fuel violent extremism, economic collapse, and rising crime rates, threatening Nigeria’s stability. The loss of a generation to addiction and mental illness could have devastating effects on the country’s social fabric and future development. The risks faced by those fighting drug trafficking are also severe.
The NDLEA has lost hundreds of officers since its inception in 1989. In a tragic incident in Kaduna State, a National Drug Law Enforcement Agency officer, Aliyu Imran, was lynched by a mob while enforcing drug laws. This brutal attack highlights the dangers law enforcement faces in combating drug cartels and traffickers.The prevalence of mental health disorders among incarcerated youths is a stark reminder of the need for comprehensive mental health services.
Many of these young people suffer from untreated psychiatric conditions that exacerbate their vulnerability to drug abuse and criminal behavior. Without proper care, they risk becoming trapped in a cycle of addiction, crime, and incarceration.Efforts to combat drug abuse also require adequate funding and resources.
The NDLEA’s 2025 budget allocation stands at over N67 billion, covering personnel costs, operational expenses, and capital projects. However, there is a call for increased funding, especially for infrastructure like secure barracks for personnel, which currently receives no funding.
Addressing Nigeria’s drug and mental health crisisThere is an urgent need to expand mental health care access, particularly for adolescents. Schools, correctional facilities, and communities must be equipped with resources to identify and treat mental health disorders early.
Sensitization programs, like those conducted by the NDLEA in over 9,000 schools reaching more than 3 million participants, are vital. These efforts help educate youths about the dangers of drug abuse and encourage healthy lifestyles.
Enhancing the capacity of agencies like the NDLEA through better funding, training, and infrastructure is critical. Protecting officers from violent attacks and ensuring effective drug interdiction are essential to disrupting drug trafficking networks.
State and federal governments must work closely with communities, religious groups, and NGOs to create supportive environments that discourage drug use and support rehabilitation efforts.
Lawmakers should consider declaring a state of emergency on drug abuse, as advocated by some representatives, to mobilize resources and political will for sustained action.Beyond arrest and prosecution, comprehensive rehabilitation programs are needed to help addicts recover and reintegrate into society, reducing recidivism and promoting social stability.
In today’s digital age, technology offers promising tools to address drug addiction and mental health challenges among Nigerian youths. Mobile health (mHealth) applications, telepsychiatry, and online counseling platforms can bridge the gap in mental health services, especially in rural and underserved areas.
For instance, the Lagos State government recently piloted a mental health app that allows users to self-assess symptoms, access educational resources, and connect with licensed counselors anonymously. Early feedback indicates increased engagement among youths who might otherwise avoid in-person consultations due to stigma.
Moreover, social media campaigns leveraging influencers and youth leaders have proven effective in raising awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and promoting mental wellness. These platforms can disseminate accurate information, debunk myths, and encourage positive behavior change on a large scale.
The economic impact of widespread drug addiction and untreated mental illness among Nigerian youths cannot be overstated. Productivity losses, increased healthcare costs, and the burden on the criminal justice system strain the nation’s resources.
According to a report by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, drug abuse-related absenteeism and reduced work capacity cost the Nigerian economy billions of naira annually. Additionally, families often bear the financial and emotional toll of caring for affected members, pushing many deeper into poverty.
Failing to address this crisis risks creating a lost generation—young people unable to contribute meaningfully to society or support themselves. This scenario undermines Nigeria’s development goals and threatens long-term social stability.
Every Nigerian has a role to play in combating this crisis:Parents and Guardians must create open lines of communication with children, watch for warning signs of drug use or mental distress, and seek professional help early.
Educators must incorporate mental health education into school curricula and provide safe spaces for students to discuss their challenges.
Youth Groups: Lead peer support initiatives and advocate for healthier lifestyles.
Government: Increase funding for mental health infrastructure, enforce drug laws effectively, and implement nationwide awareness campaigns.
Media: Report responsibly on drug and mental health issues, avoiding sensationalism and promoting empathy.
Despite the daunting challenges, there is hope. Nigeria’s youth are resilient and resourceful. With concerted efforts from government agencies, healthcare professionals, communities, and the youths themselves, the tide can be turned.
The drug addiction and mental health crisis among Nigerian youths is a complex challenge that threatens the nation’s future. But with coordinated efforts, adequate funding, and a focus on early intervention, Nigeria can turn the tide.
The stories behind the statistics remind us that these youths are not just numbers—they are sons, daughters, friends, and future leaders who deserve a chance to live healthy, productive lives. The time to act is now.