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Nigeria’s illicit drug crisis has reached a critical emergency level, with an estimated 14.3 million citizens aged 15 to 64 reportedly using illicit substances within a single year, according to the most recent National Drug Use Survey by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
National experts and health agencies warn that the country risks losing an entire generation to addiction as the problem shifts from isolated cases to a widespread public health and national security threat, according to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
The crisis is particularly severe among young people, where the cost of a “high” has become dangerously affordable. For as little as ₦500 to ₦1,000—less than the price of a loaf of bread—young Nigerians can access substances used to escape stress or boost confidence. Common drugs such as tramadol, codeine syrup, and cannabis are widely available through informal kiosks, street vendors, and, in some cases, pharmacies operating without prescriptions, according to Vanguard.
Patterns of substance abuse are also evolving and becoming increasingly localized. In major urban centres such as Lagos and Port Harcourt, synthetic strains of cannabis and chemical drug mixtures are increasingly prevalent. In Abuja, misuse of prescription sedatives such as Rohypnol and diazepam is reportedly on the rise. In rural communities, limited access and resources have led to the abuse of household and industrial products. Young people are reportedly inhaling petrol fumes, glue, and paint thinner, while others prepare homemade mixtures such as “monkey tail,” a blend of local gin and cannabis. These practices reflect a growing culture of coping and experimentation driven by economic hardship and social pressure.
The NDLEA has intensified its crackdown on the illicit drug supply chain. Between January and February 2026 alone, the agency recorded 3,913 arrests, 581 convictions, and the seizure of more than 113,000 kilograms of illicit substances. Despite these efforts, officials say the diversion of legally manufactured pharmaceutical products into the black market remains a major challenge.
Professor Christianah Adeyeye, Director-General of NAFDAC, stressed that the scale of the crisis requires more than enforcement alone. She noted that the normalization of drug use in social spaces such as shisha lounges and university hostels has turned it into a broader cultural issue requiring a nationwide, multidisciplinary response.
Survivors and affected parents have shared harrowing accounts of the long-term consequences of substance abuse. Beyond physical dependence, experts warn that addiction is increasingly shaping the behaviour and life trajectories of millions of young Nigerians. Without a sustained and coordinated national response targeting both supply and demand, the country’s social and economic stability remains at significant risk.
