The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has raised alarms over a disturbing trend among Nigerian youths who are now resorting to unconventional substances like nail polish and methylated spirit to achieve a state of ‘highness’. This shift comes as traditional narcotic substances such as tramadol, codeine syrup, and cannabis become increasingly unaffordable for many users.
Tijjani Rabe, the Commander of NDLEA in Ogun State, highlighted this alarming development during a meeting with members of the National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS) at the agency’s headquarters in Abeokuta. Represented by Deputy State Commander Ekundayo Williams, Rabe expressed grave concerns over the growing substance abuse problem.
Despite extensive sensitization and advocacy efforts, Rabe noted that the agency continues to see a yearly increase in substance abuse. He referred to a 2018 survey that revealed 14.3 million Nigerians aged 15 to 16 had used some form of drug in the preceding years. This figure represents a 5.6 percent increase from 2016. The same survey indicated that 20 percent of these individuals have drug disorders.
Rabe explained that the high cost of conventional drugs has driven many youths to use household items like nail polish and methylated spirit as substitutes. “Why are we worried? I want to take you back to the last survey carried out in 2018; that survey made us understand that 14.3 million Nigerians aged between 15 and 16 have used one substance in the previous years and from this survey we have an increase of 5.6 percent compared to what we had in 2016. The same survey made us understand that 20 percent of these 14.3 million people have drug disorders,” he stated.
He also pointed out that one out of every five drug abusers injects drugs using needles and syringes, which significantly raises the risk of spreading blood-borne diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis B. The situation is particularly dire in the South-west region of Nigeria, with Ogun State identified as having a high number of drug abusers due to its large number of tertiary institutions populated by young people from diverse backgrounds.
The NDLEA, in collaboration with other organizations and stakeholders, has intensified its sensitization and advocacy efforts, reaching out to schools, places of worship, markets, parks, and rural communities to combat this growing menace.