DRUG ABUSE AND ILLICIT TRAFFICKING IN NIGERIA: THE ROLE OF COMMUNITY-BASED INTERVENTIONS IN MITIGATING THE CRISIS.

INTRODUCTION

Drug abuse and illicit trafficking is one of the most critical Public Health issues in Nigeria, severely impacting the health status of the public, including their social stability and economic development. As a key transit point for drug trafficking networks, Nigeria faces significant challenges in controlling the flow and use of illicit substances. According to a study published by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in 2019, it was revealed that around 14.3 million Nigerians, or 14.4% of the population aged 15-64, had used drugs other than tobacco and alcohol in the previous year. This rate is significantly higher than the global average of 5.6%, illustrating the severity of the problem within the country of which the most commonly abused substances are cannabis, opioids (particularly tramadol), and methamphetamines.

According to the National Drug Use Survey (2018) conducted by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the Centre for Research and Information on Substance Abuse (CRISA), the prevalence of cannabis use in Nigeria is 10.8%, with an estimated 10.6 million users. The misuse of these drugs has severe health implications, contributing to the spread of infectious diseases and increasing the burden on Nigeria’s healthcare system.

The 2020 NDLEA annual report highlighted that the agency had seized over 273,000 kilograms of illicit drugs and arrested over 9,444 suspects, demonstrating the scale of trafficking operations within the country. Despite these efforts, the widespread availability of drugs and the sophisticated networks of traffickers present ongoing challenges for law enforcement agencies.

In this article, I'll be examining the causes of Drug abuse and illicit trafficking in Nigeria, it's effects, and also, the potential solution via Community-based approach to curbing this Public Health issue.

CAUSES Of DRUG ABUSE AND ILLICIT TRAFFICKING IN NIGERIA

The escalating issue of Drug abuse and illicit trafficking in Nigeria stems from a complex web of socioeconomic, cultural, and systemic factors. However, examining these underlying causes independently will provide a comprehensive overview on the subject matter.

These causes includes;

1. Economic Hardship:

Economic instability and high unemployment rates in Nigeria drive many young people toward drug abuse and trafficking as a means of coping or earning a living. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the unemployment rate in Nigeria rose to 33.3% in the fourth quarter of 2020, exacerbating the economic desperation that fuels drug-related activities.

2. Peer Pressure and Social Influence:

Social dynamics play a significant role in drug abuse. Many young Nigerians are influenced by peers and societal trends that glamorize drug use. The pressure to fit in and be accepted by friends is one of the leading reasons why individuals experiment drugs, often resulting in addiction.

3. Weak Law Enforcement and Corruption:

Ineffective law enforcement and systemic corruption severely undermine efforts to combat drug trafficking in Nigeria. Corruption within law enforcement agencies allows traffickers to operate with relative impunity, while inadequate resources and training for personnel hampers their ability to effectively dismantle trafficking networks.

4. Mental Health Issues:

Mental health problems are a critical factor contributing to drug abuse. Many Nigerians suffer from untreated mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety, leading them to use drugs as a form of self-medication. According to the World Health Organization, Nigeria has a significant treatment gap in mental health services, with only a small fraction of those in need receiving appropriate care.

5. Global Drug Trade and Geographical Location:

Nigeria's strategic location makes it a key transit hub for the global drug trade. The country's extensive borders and its position along major international trafficking routes (e.g. USA) facilitate the smuggling of large quantities of illicit substances. This geographical advantage for traffickers not only increases the availability of drugs within Nigeria but also entangles local communities in the global narcotics network.

EFFECTS OF DRUG ABUSE AND ILLICIT TRAFFICKING IN NIGERIA

1. Increase in Public Health crisis:

Drug abuse leads to numerous health issues, including addiction, mental health disorders, and the spread of infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS and hepatitis due to needle sharing. The public health system is overwhelmed by the demand for treatment and care for drug-related health problems.

2. Rising Crime Rates:

The nexus between drug abuse and crime is evident in Nigeria. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) reported in 2022 that over 19,000 drug-related arrests were made, with substantial seizures of cocaine, heroin, cannabis, and other synthetic drugs. Drug trafficking and abuse are linked to other criminal activities such as armed robbery, kidnapping, and violent crimes, exacerbating the country’s security challenges.

3. Economic Burden:

The economic impact of drug abuse and trafficking is so profound. The Nigerian government allocates significant resources to law enforcement, healthcare, and rehabilitation services. Study estimated that the economic cost of drug abuse in Nigeria could be around $1.8 billion annually, considering healthcare costs, lost productivity, and law enforcement expenses. This financial burden diverts resources from essential services such as education and infrastructural developments.

4. Educational Disruption:

Drug abuse among youth, particularly students, has a detrimental effect on education. The NDLEA highlighted that drug use is prevalent among secondary and tertiary institution students, leading to poor academic performance, high dropout rates, and school violence. For instance, a 2019 survey indicated that approximately 22% of secondary school students had experimented with drugs, which undermines the prospects of Nigeria’s young population.

Having explored the causes and effects of Drug abuse and illicit trafficking in Nigeria, let's look into how community-based interventions can be a great solution to this fast-growing public health crisis.

COMMUNITY-BASED INTERVENTIONS AGAINST DRUG ABUSE AND ILLICIT TRAFFICKING

Community-based interventions refer to the strategies and actions initiated and implemented within a community to address local issues through collective effort and participation. These interventions leverage local knowledge, resources, and social networks to identify, understand, and solve problems. They typically involve collaboration among various stakeholders, including community members, local organizations, schools, health services, law enforcement, and government agencies.

Why are community based interventions important for fighting against drug abuse and illicit trafficking?

1. Community-based interventions promotes tailored approaches that fit local cultural and societal norms.

2. It fosters trust among community members and encourages active participation.

3. It addresses drug abuse comprehensively, from prevention to rehabilitation.

4. It ensures sustainability by leveraging local resources and community leadership.

5. It allows for flexibility to adapt quickly to evolving community needs and challenges.

COMMUNITY BASED INTERVENTIONS THAT CAN BE EMPLOYED TOWARDS FIGHTING AGAINST DRUG ABUSE AND ILLICIT TRAFFICKING

1. Community Education Programs:

Conducting workshops, seminars, and awareness campaigns to educate community members about the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of prevention can be a great deal in tackling this public health issue.

2. Youth Engagement Initiatives:

Establishing youth clubs, sports leagues, and vocational training programs can provide positive alternatives or diversional therapy to drug use and trafficking. This can also alleviate poverty in the community as youths are taught vocations that can be converted into a business and enterprise.

3. Support Groups and Counseling Services:

The establishment of support networks and counseling services for individuals and families affected by drug abuse, can promote quick recovery and reduce stigma in the society.

4. Community Policing and Neighborhood Watch:

Collaborating with local law enforcement agencies to monitor and report suspicious activities related to drug trafficking can promote communal safety and reduce drug trafficking networks and coalitions.

5. School-Based Prevention Programs:

Implementing drug education and prevention programs into the schools to educate students about the risks of drug abuse and equip them with refusal skills can reduce the rate of drug use among students.

6. Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers:

Establishing local treatment and rehabilitation centers to provide accessible and effective care for individuals struggling with addiction can increase the likelihood of individuals seeking help for addiction and reduce stigma in the society.

7. Community Partnerships and Coalitions:

Forming alliances with local businesses, NGOs, religious institutions, and community leaders to advocate for policy changes and support drug prevention efforts strengthens community resilience against drug abuse and foster a unified approach towards creating a supportive environment for recovery.

8. Media and Social Media Campaigns:

The use of local media platforms and social media channels to disseminate information about drug abuse prevention and resources available for treatment and support can reduce stigma, encourage help-seeking behaviors, and mobilize community support for prevention efforts.

CONCLUSION

Drug abuse and illicit trafficking in Nigeria pose a significant threat to the nation's stability and development. Addressing this crisis requires concerted efforts from both government and community-based initiatives. By enhancing awareness, providing rehabilitation, empowering youth, and strengthening law enforcement, Nigeria can make strides toward mitigating the impact of drug abuse and trafficking.