2026 World Drug Day: Stakeholders Rally Journalists for Stronger Advocacy Against Substance Abuse

 2026 World Drug Day: Stakeholders Rally Journalists for Stronger Advocacy Against Substance Abuse

LAGOS, Nigeria — Stakeholders from the media, healthcare, law enforcement, government, and private sectors have called on journalists to play a more active role in combating substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking, emphasizing that responsible reporting remains critical to prevention, public education, and behavioural change.

The call was made during the Media Practitioners' Capacity Building Programme organised by the Nigerian Online Media Alliance (NOMA) on Thursday at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos, as part of activities marking the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

The programme, held in collaboration with the International Society of Substance Use Prevention and Treatment Professionals (ISSUP Nigeria), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, brought together policymakers, public health experts, anti-drug advocates, security agencies, media executives, and journalists to examine the media's role in addressing Nigeria's growing drug challenge.

With the theme, "Responsible Media, Drug-Free Nigeria: The Journalist's Role in Prevention and Advocacy," participants explored strategies for strengthening prevention campaigns, reducing stigma, and promoting evidence-based reporting on substance abuse issues.

In her welcome address, Chairperson of NOMA, Theresa Moses, described the programme as a strategic intervention designed to equip journalists with the knowledge and skills needed to address one of Nigeria's most pressing social problems.

She noted that drug abuse and illicit trafficking continue to threaten families, communities, educational institutions, and national development, stressing that journalists occupy a unique position as educators, agenda-setters, storytellers, and advocates.

"The stories we tell, the language we use, the facts we verify, and the issues we prioritise all contribute to shaping public understanding and influencing behaviour," she said.

Moses urged media practitioners to embrace ethical journalism and evidence-based reporting while avoiding sensationalism and misinformation that could undermine prevention efforts.

According to her, responsible journalism can help strengthen public awareness, reduce stigma, encourage recovery, and support national efforts towards building a drug-free Nigeria.

Delivering the keynote address, the Chief Medical Director of the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Dr. Olugbenga Owoeye, described drug abuse and illicit trafficking as a major global public health challenge.

He said Nigeria continues to grapple with a high prevalence of substance abuse, making collaboration among stakeholders essential.

According to Owoeye, prevention remains the most effective and cost-efficient strategy in addressing substance use disorders.

He further noted that the shortage of mental health professionals in Nigeria underscores the need for sustained public awareness campaigns and preventive interventions.

The CMD disclosed that through international partnerships and professional training initiatives, more than 1,200 substance use prevention and treatment professionals have been trained across the country.

Also speaking, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), warned that Africa faces a rapidly expanding drug problem, with Nigeria at the centre of the challenge.

He stated that while global drug use is projected to increase moderately by 2030, Africa could experience a rise of up to 40 per cent.

Marwa revealed that Nigeria's drug use prevalence stands at 14.4 per cent, significantly higher than the global average of 5.6 per cent.

Highlighting the agency's achievements, he disclosed that the NDLEA has recorded over 77,000 arrests, secured more than 14,000 convictions, and seized over 15 million kilograms of illicit substances in recent years.

Despite these successes, he maintained that enforcement alone cannot solve the problem.

"Reducing demand remains the ultimate solution, and this is where the media becomes indispensable," Marwa said.

He described journalists as strategic partners capable of influencing attitudes, choices, and behaviours, particularly among young people.

Speaking on the topic, "Breaking the Stigma: Public Health and Digital Approaches to Addiction Prevention in Nigeria," President of ISSUP Nigeria, Dr. Olajumoke Koyejo, challenged prevailing misconceptions about addiction and advocated a more compassionate, science-based approach to prevention and treatment.

She explained that addiction is a chronic and relapsing brain disease rather than a moral failing.

Koyejo noted that approximately 14.4 per cent of Nigerians aged between 15 and 65 use psychoactive substances, while behavioural addictions, including gambling, are becoming increasingly common.

She identified stigma as one of the major barriers preventing individuals from seeking treatment.

"When addiction is viewed as a personal weakness or criminal behaviour, individuals become afraid to seek help, families hide the problem, and communities deny its existence," she said.

She also introduced participants to ISSUP Nigeria's VIBECHECK platform, a digital screening and referral tool designed to help individuals assess substance use risks and access professional support.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Abubakre Ogunlende, expressed concern over the growing influence of social media in normalising substance abuse among young people.

He noted that drug-related content continues to gain popularity online, exposing youths to harmful lifestyles and behaviours.

According to him, unemployment, economic pressures, and peer influence have further contributed to the increasing vulnerability of young people to substance abuse.

Ogunlende highlighted several interventions by the Lagos State Government, including the Lagos State Kick Against Drug Abuse (LASKADA) initiative, school sensitisation campaigns, rehabilitation services, and digital mental health support platforms.

Providing an economic perspective, Director-General of the Association of Nigerian Exporters (ANE), Prince Joseph Idiong, stressed that drug trafficking also poses significant risks to legitimate businesses.

He warned that when ports become associated with illicit drug activities, genuine exporters face increased scrutiny, shipment delays, demurrage charges, and reputational damage.

Idiong urged journalists to collaborate with international organisations such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in promoting evidence-based prevention campaigns.

In a goodwill message delivered on behalf of the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, Special Adviser Obafemi-Ajayi Ademuyiwa described drug abuse and illicit trafficking as developmental challenges with far-reaching consequences beyond health and security concerns.

He emphasised that responsible reporting requires accuracy, restraint, and respect for the dignity of individuals undergoing treatment and recovery.

The Lagos State Government also pledged continued collaboration with the media, NDLEA, healthcare institutions, and civil society organisations to strengthen prevention-focused messaging across communities.

Participants unanimously agreed that addressing Nigeria's drug challenge requires collective action involving parents, teachers, healthcare professionals, community leaders, faith-based organisations, civil society groups, security agencies, and the media.

As the programme concluded, stakeholders expressed optimism that stronger partnerships and sustained commitment would significantly reduce substance abuse prevalence and contribute to building safer and healthier communities across Nigeria.

NOMA expresses its profound appreciation to Polaris Bank, whose generous support through the donation of branded educational and utility items—including cable chargers, water bottles, umbrellas, piggy banks, and mathematical sets—added immense value to the programme. 

We also sincerely appreciate Access Bank (Gfud & Buka), Coca-Cola, the Lagos State Government, LASKADA, LAW FM 103.9, Jordan FM, Melody FM, Ovation Media Group, and News Central for their invaluable sponsorship, partnership, and media support.