In a bid to address the rising cases of drug abuse in the country, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has announced its collaboration with Re-Orientation Advocacy of Nigeria (RAN) and other stakeholders to strengthen prevention programmes and treatment for people with drug use disorders.
The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Pate conveyed the ministry’s commitment during a partnership meeting with RAN in Abuja. Represented by the permanent secretary of the ministry, Ms. Kachollom Daju, Pate expressed readiness to play a significant role in tackling drug abuse, especially among youth, women and adolescents, aligning with the administration’s renewed hope agenda.
Highlighting the increasing drug and substance abuse among the youth and women in different regions of Nigeria, Pate praised the timely and crucial steps taken by RAN in addressing this issue. He acknowledged concerns raised by various stakeholders and stressed the need for collaborative efforts to bring the situation under control.
The executive director of RAN, Charles Folayan commended the ministry for its support during the stakeholder engagement on drug prevention, treatment, and care held in December 2023. He also appreciated the ministry’s representation in the joint task team formed during the programme.
Folayan emphasised the negative consequences of drug and substance abuse, linking it to issues such as armed robbery, vandalism, sexual assault, insurgency, banditry, domestic abuse, violence, HIV/AIDS and accidents. He expressed deep concern about the impact on a country’s progress when over 40 per cent of its young population, including women, engage in drug abuse, surpassing the global average of 5.3 per cent.
The partnership between RAN and various stakeholders aims to establish a common purpose and facilitate coordinated efforts in line with each organisation’s mandate. This initiative aligns with the strategic objectives of the National Drug Control Master Plan 2022–2025 and the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Act.
