The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has raised concerns that the expanding illicit drug trade, fuelled by synthetic drugs, changing trafficking routes and organised criminal networks, is contributing to worsening insecurity in Nigeria.
The warning was delivered on Friday in Abuja by the UNODC Country Representative, Cheikh Toure, during activities marking the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, also known as World Drug Day.
Represented by Dr Akanidomo Ibanga, the organisation’s Lead on Drug Demand Reduction, Toure said the evolving global drug market demands more innovative, coordinated and evidence-based responses from governments and stakeholders.
Addressing participants on the theme, “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,” he noted that the emergence of synthetic drugs and increasingly sophisticated trafficking networks has created fresh challenges for public health, security and sustainable development.
According to him, Nigeria occupies a strategic position within the region and is therefore directly affected by the changing dynamics of the global drug trade.
“The rise of synthetic drugs, evolving trafficking routes, and the intersection between drug economies and insecurity continue to challenge even the most robust systems.
“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,” he said.
Toure observed that the relationship between illegal drug economies and insecurity has made the country’s anti-drug efforts more complex, requiring stronger institutions, effective leadership and sustained reforms.
Despite the challenges, he expressed optimism that the current situation presents an opportunity to strengthen national responses through strategic planning and evidence-driven interventions.
He commended the Federal Government for maintaining what he described as a balanced approach to drug control by combining supply reduction, demand reduction and respect for human rights.
The UN official also praised the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Federal Ministry of Health and other stakeholders for their continued efforts in strengthening Nigeria’s fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
He reaffirmed UNODC’s commitment to supporting Nigeria through programmes aligned with international best practices and the country’s national priorities.
“Innovation is not always about introducing entirely new ideas but about implementing proven interventions consistently, effectively and at scale,” he stated.
Toure disclosed that UNODC is supporting the implementation of the Children’s Amplified Prevention Services (CHAMPS), an initiative designed to prevent substance abuse by addressing risk factors before they develop into drug dependence.
He explained that the programme assists state governments in establishing long-term prevention systems rather than relying on isolated intervention programmes.
The organisation is also partnering with government agencies to improve access to affordable, community-based treatment and rehabilitation services for people struggling with substance use disorders.
In addition, UNODC is supporting efforts to strengthen intelligence gathering and drug monitoring systems through the establishment of early warning mechanisms capable of identifying emerging drug threats, particularly synthetic substances.
According to Toure, such systems will enable policymakers to respond more quickly to evolving drug trends.
He also highlighted ongoing reforms within the criminal justice system, noting that UNODC is promoting alternatives to imprisonment for individuals with drug use disorders, arguing that treatment-focused approaches often produce better outcomes than punitive measures alone.
The organisation is equally leveraging digital technology and specialised training programmes to enhance the capacity of law enforcement agencies, healthcare workers and social service providers in responding effectively to emerging drug-related threats.
Toure stressed that sustained political will, increased investment and stronger collaboration among government institutions remain essential to addressing Nigeria’s growing drug challenge.
He noted that drug trafficking and abuse are closely connected to youth unemployment, organised crime, poverty and other socio-economic issues, making a comprehensive response necessary.
“Addressing the problem requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach,” he emphasised.
He also acknowledged the role of civil society organisations, community leaders and individuals with lived experience, describing them as critical partners in designing inclusive and sustainable drug control policies.
“We are increasingly building multi-sectoral collaborative responses because we recognise that this response cannot be effective without the whole of society,” he added.
Toure urged governments to invest more heavily in prevention programmes, expand access to treatment and rehabilitation, strengthen law enforcement efforts and address the underlying social conditions that expose communities to drug abuse and trafficking.
He reaffirmed UNODC’s commitment to supporting Nigeria through technical assistance, strategic partnerships and innovative interventions aimed at building a safer and healthier society.
“Together, we can turn today’s challenges into tomorrow’s progress,” he said.
