The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has raised fresh concerns over the growing illicit drug trade in Nigeria, warning that the rapid spread of synthetic drugs, evolving trafficking routes and the activities of organised criminal networks are worsening insecurity across the country.
The warning was issued on Friday in Abuja during the commemoration of the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (World Drug Day).
Speaking on the theme, “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,” the UNODC Country Representative, Cheikh Toure, represented by the organisation’s Lead on Drug Demand Reduction, Dr. Akanidomo Ibanga, said the global drug landscape was changing rapidly and demanded innovative, evidence-based and coordinated responses.
According to him, the emergence of synthetic drugs and changing trafficking patterns now pose significant threats to public health, national security and sustainable development, with Nigeria increasingly vulnerable because of its strategic position in the region.
“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. The implications for public health, national security and sustainable development are profound,” he said.
Toure stressed that the growing link between illicit drug economies and insecurity had made the fight against drug abuse and trafficking more complex, calling for stronger political leadership, institutional reforms and greater innovation.
Despite the challenges, he commended the Federal Government for adopting a balanced drug control strategy that combines supply reduction, demand reduction and respect for human rights. He also praised the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Federal Ministry of Health and other stakeholders for strengthening Nigeria’s response to the country’s drug challenges.
Reaffirming UNODC’s commitment to supporting Nigeria, Toure said the organisation was implementing innovative programmes aligned with national priorities and international best practices.
He disclosed that UNODC was supporting the institutionalisation of comprehensive prevention systems through the Children’s Amplified Prevention Services (CHAMPS), an initiative designed to address the risk factors associated with substance abuse before they develop.
According to him, the programme enables states to establish sustainable and replicable drug prevention systems rather than isolated interventions.
The UNODC representative also revealed that the organisation was working with government institutions to expand access to affordable, community-based drug treatment and rehabilitation services while strengthening intelligence gathering and early warning systems to detect emerging drug trends, particularly synthetic substances.
He added that UNODC was promoting criminal justice reforms by encouraging alternatives to incarceration for people living with drug use disorders, noting that health-centred interventions consistently produce better outcomes than punitive measures.
Toure further stated that digital technology and capacity-building programmes were being deployed to improve the capabilities of law enforcement agencies, healthcare providers and social service institutions in responding to emerging drug threats.
He emphasised that sustained political commitment, strategic investments and stronger collaboration among government agencies and stakeholders remained essential in tackling Nigeria’s drug problem.
According to him, drug abuse and trafficking are closely linked to youth unemployment, organised crime, social vulnerability and other developmental challenges, making a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach imperative.
He also acknowledged the contributions of civil society organisations, community leaders and individuals with lived experience, describing them as indispensable partners in developing inclusive and effective drug control policies.
Calling for increased investment in prevention programmes, treatment and rehabilitation services, stronger law enforcement and measures to address the social conditions that fuel drug abuse and trafficking, Toure reaffirmed UNODC’s commitment to supporting Nigeria through technical assistance, strategic partnerships and innovative solutions.
“Together, we can turn today’s challenges into tomorrow’s progress,” he said.
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