DRUG USE IN NIGERIA 2018

A Policy conducts a national survey on drug use to provide data on prevalence and patterns. It targets the Nigerian population aged 15-64 and health agencies for planning treatment. This helps inform effective drug control strategies.

What Is This Policy?

Nigeria's first comprehensive national survey on drug use, conducted jointly by UNODC and the Federal Ministry of Health, providing baseline data on the prevalence of drug use across Nigeria.

Who Does It Target?

Nigerian population aged 15-64 (survey subjects) NDLEA and drug control agencies Health sector planners for addiction treatment International drug control and public health agencies

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Generate reliable national data on the prevalence, patterns, and health consequences of drug use in Nigeria to inform evidence-based drug control and treatment policies.

Key Features

Prevalence Data: First nationally representative estimates of the prevalence of cannabis, opioids, tramadol, and other drug use. Regional Breakdown: Data disaggregated by geopolitical zone, gender, age, and setting. Health Consequences: Documents drug-related health outcomes including HIV risk, mental health, and mortality. Treatment Gap: Quantifies the gap between people needing drug treatment and those receiving it.

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Completed — 2018 survey; follow-up survey planned Coverage: Nationwide population survey Beneficiaries: Drug control policy; health planning; affected persons Funding: UNODC; Government of Nigeria

How to Access

Access survey report at UNODC website or NDLEA Data available for research purposes upon request Application method: Access at https://www.ndlea.gov.ng or UNODC Nigeria office.

Important Terms

Survey found 14.4% of Nigerians aged 15-64 use drugs — significantly higher than previously estimated Tramadol abuse emerged as a major concern in the survey findings The data gap in treatment highlights the need for expanded addiction services

Impact & Metrics

First evidence base for Nigeria's drug policy; informed revised NDLEA Act and national drug policy revision.

Official Resources

Website: https://www.ndlea.gov.ng Contact: National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) / UNODC Nigeria

Legal Framework

The Drug Use in Nigeria 2018 Survey operates under the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Act 2004 (as amended), the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) Act, and the National Health Act 2014. It aligns with Nigeria's obligations under the UN Conventions on Narcotic Drugs (1961, 1971, 1988) and the Political Declaration and Plan of Action on International Cooperation towards an Integrated and Balanced Strategy to Counter the World Drug Problem (2009).