The federal government Thursday reaffirmed its commitment to implementing a balanced, evidence-based and human-centred approach to drug control that integrates public health, security, prevention, treatment and access to essential controlled medicines for patients with legitimate medical needs.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, stated this in a keynote address delivered on his behalf by the director, Food and Drug Services Department, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Mrs. Olufowobi-Yusuf Adeola, at the Maiden National Drug Use Summit held in Abuja.
He described drug use in Nigeria as a complex public health and development issue, citing findings from the 2018 United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) survey, which showed that 14.4 per cent of Nigerians aged 15 to 64 had used drugs, with cannabis remaining the most commonly used substance alongside increasing misuse of prescription opioids such as tramadol and codeine, as well as emerging psychoactive substances.
He said the rising burden of drug misuse has significant implications for public health, national security and socio-economic development, adding that the country must adopt comprehensive strategies that go beyond law enforcement.
The minister noted that while efforts to curb illicit drug use must continue, the government also has a responsibility to ensure that patients suffering from severe pain due to cancer, surgery, sickle cell disease and other medical conditions have access to controlled medicines such as morphine and pethidine.
He stated that denying patients appropriate pain relief because of concerns over drug diversion was unacceptable, adding that the government would continue to pursue policies that balance effective drug control with access to essential medicines.