Foundation warns of rising drug abuse among Nigerian youths
The Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation has raised alarm over increasing drug and substance abuse among Nigerian youths. According to Abubakar Umar, the trend has reached a critical level and threatens the country’s socio-economic stability. Experts at the Foundation’s Monthly Virtual Mentorship Programme highlighted the scale of the problem and its impact on society. The Foundation called for urgent, coordinated action to address the crisis.
What we know
- The Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation described drug abuse among youths as a national emergency.
- Muhammad Kasim presented data showing Nigeria’s drug use prevalence rate is 14.4%, affecting about 14.3 million people.
- The Foundation warned of rising addiction, mental health disorders, and increased crime linked to drug abuse.
- Northern Nigeria is particularly vulnerable due to poverty, unemployment, and a large population of out-of-school children.
- The Foundation urged for drug education in schools, expanded rehabilitation services, stronger law enforcement, and more youth empowerment programmes.
