By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has expressed deep concern over the rising incidence of drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria, describing the trend as a serious threat to public health, national security, human dignity, and sustainable development.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Chief Tony Ojukwu, OFR, SAN, made the assertion in a statement commemorating the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, warning that substance abuse, particularly among young people, has reached alarming levels and requires urgent, coordinated action from all stakeholders. According to the statement signed by the Director of Corporate Affairs and External Linkages of the Commission, Fatimah Agwai Mohammed made available to Precise Post, Ojukwu stressed that while efforts to combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking remain essential, such interventions must be firmly rooted in human rights principles. He said the nation’s response should be guided by the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the rights to life, dignity, liberty, and fair hearing, as well as the Mental Health Act 2021, the National Health Act 2022, and Nigeria’s obligations under relevant international human rights treaties.
According to him, individuals battling drug dependence should not be subjected to stigma, discrimination, or inhuman and degrading treatment. Rather, they should have access to quality healthcare services, rehabilitation, psychosocial support, and opportunities for social reintegration.
The NHRC boss noted that drug abuse contributes to a range of human rights violations, including domestic violence, crime, exploitation, human trafficking, and insecurity, all of which undermine the enjoyment of fundamental rights and freedoms.
He said the Commission has continued to champion a public health approach to drug use through advocacy for harm reduction policies. As part of these efforts, the NHRC has consistently organised national legislative forums and other engagements aimed at promoting informed public discourse on harm reduction strategies in Nigeria.
Ojukwu also called on the National Assembly to integrate human rights safeguards into the proposed national policy on drug use quantification thresholds. He urged lawmakers to clearly distinguish between individuals using drugs for medicinal or therapeutic purposes and those involved in drug trafficking, to ensure that people seeking treatment are not criminalised.
The Commission further appealed to government agencies, civil society organisations, families, educational institutions, faith-based organisations, and community leaders to intensify public awareness campaigns aimed at preventing drug abuse, particularly among children and young people.
He also urged law enforcement agencies to strengthen the fight against illicit drug trafficking while ensuring full compliance with national and international human rights standards in carrying out their responsibilities.
Reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to addressing the root causes of drug abuse, Ojukwu said the NHRC would continue collaborating with relevant stakeholders to promote policies targeting poverty, unemployment, social exclusion, inadequate access to education, and mental health services.
He called on all Nigerians to work together in building a society free from drug abuse, where the rights, dignity, and well-being of every individual are respected and protected.
