Lagos Ministry of Health Stages Awareness On Illicit Drugs
By Mohammed Adekola
Lagos State Ministry of Health yestery, Thursday, 26th June, staged a high-impact awareness campaign within the Lagos State Government Secretariat, Alausa-Ikeja, to commemorate this year’s International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
Directorate of Pharmaceutical Services and the Lagos State Interministerial Drug Abuse Control Committee (LSIDACC) in conjunction with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
This year’s global theme, “Breaking the Chains: Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery for All!” formed the rallying cry of the sensitisation event, which attracted key stakeholders, directors within the Ministry of Health, members of the LSIDACC, government officials, youths and civil society actors.
The event featured a placard walk across the secretariat and distribution of Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials on drug abuse, bearing impactful messages designed to spark conversations and educate the public.
Addressing participants, the Director of Pharmaceutical Services and Chairperson of LSIDACC, Pharm. (Mrs.) Olawale Poluyi emphasised that drug addiction is a growing public health crisis that demands science-driven, empathetic solutions, not punishment or stigmatisation.
“Today is not just about awareness. It’s a day of renewed commitment. Drug addiction is not necessarily a moral failure; it is a medical condition. And it must be treated as such,” Poluyi declared.
She cited alarming global and local statistics, stating that over 296 million people worldwide used drugs in 2024, while 14.4% of Nigerians aged between 15 and 64, representing 14.3 million individuals, had used psychoactive substances, with many experiencing substance use disorders.
According to her, “In Lagos State alone, a 2024 study conducted by the NDLEA and Federal Ministry of Education found that 13.6% of secondary school students had experimented with drugs, with 6.9% identified as current users”. Poluyi noted that these figures represent not just statistics, but shattered lives and weakened communities.
The Director outlined the multifaceted causes of drug abuse, from emotional trauma and peer pressure to boredom and curiosity, urging stakeholders to promote healthier alternatives such as counselling, vocational skills, faith-based engagement, and sports. “People turn to drugs for different reasons, but we must ensure there are better outlets – safe spaces where they can heal, learn, grow and be supported,” she said.
Poluyi also highlighted the critical role of pharmacists and other healthcare professionals in combating drug abuse, noting responsibilities such as prescription monitoring, public education, early intervention, and ensuring safe disposal of medications.
Other dignitaries present at the event included Director of Epidemiology, Biosecurity and Global Health, Dr. Ismail Abdus-Salam; Director of LASAMBUS, Mrs. Wuraola Makinde; Director of Family Health and Nutrition, Dr. Folashade Oludara, and representatives from the Public Enlightenment Department of the Ministry of Information and Strategy.
Participants at the event echoed the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration and applauded the Lagos State Government for prioritising prevention and youth engagement in its anti-drug campaigns.
Poluyi called on healthcare professionals, parents, educators, and community leaders to collectively embrace awareness, prevention, and rehabilitation as the sustainable path forward.
“Let us break the chains of stigma, silence, and suffering. Together, we can build a future where treatment is accessible, recovery is celebrated, and no one is left behind,” she affirmed.
The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, established by the United Nations in 1987, is observed annually on June 26th to strengthen global action and cooperation toward a drug-free world.
