University of Benin Teaching Hospital opens drug testing centre

The University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) has commissioned a new drug testing centre, marking the first facility of its kind in Nigeria’s South-South geopolitical zone. The centre aims to enhance early detection and medical intervention for substance abuse, which officials identified as a growing public health and safety concern.

Chief Medical Director Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu stated that the facility is designed to move beyond mere identification of drug use toward providing immediate medical care. The centre is equipped to test for a variety of substances, including amphetamines, benzodiazepines, cannabis, ethanol, fentanyl, methadone, tramadol, and barbiturates.

The unveiling took place during the hospital’s 2nd Special Intervention and Stakeholders Workshop, with attendance from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Nigeria Police Force, the judiciary, and the Edo State Ministry of Public Safety and Security. Officials noted that substance abuse contributes to significant societal issues, including road accidents, violence, impaired judgment, and loss of life.