Nigeria leaders call for urgent action against rising youth drug abuse

Health officials and religious leaders in Nigeria are calling for urgent action to combat the rising rates of drug abuse and addiction among the nation's youth.

Prof Idia Ize-Iyamu, Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), has urged all levels of government to implement interventions for students in secondary and tertiary institutions. She proposed routine, confidential screening and counseling to facilitate early identification and support. UBTH has recently unveiled a Drug Testing Centre capable of testing for more than 14 different substances to assist in these efforts. The Edo State Commissioner for Education, Dr Washington Osifo, has expressed readiness to collaborate with UBTH on these initiatives.

Separately, the Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria, Henry Ndukuba, warned that drug abuse is becoming endemic among Nigerian youths. Speaking at the 15th General Synod of the Church of Nigeria, Ndukuba identified drug trafficking and corruption as major threats to societal stability. He called for increased collaboration between the Church, government agencies, schools, and families to prevent abuse and rehabilitate those suffering from addiction.