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The Kwara State Government has expressed fresh concern over the growing rate of drug abuse among young people, warning that the trend poses serious risks to public health, security, and the future of the state’s youth population.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq raised the alarm on Tuesday during the Anti-Substance Abuse Programme Stakeholders Conference held in Ilorin to commemorate the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
The conference, organised by the MTN Foundation in collaboration with the Kwara State Government and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), brought together stakeholders to discuss strategies for tackling substance abuse across communities.
In his keynote address, AbdulRazaq described drug abuse as a complex challenge with far-reaching consequences beyond law enforcement.
“Drug abuse is not merely a law enforcement issue; it is a public health concern, a developmental challenge, and a threat to the future of our youths,” the governor said.
He warned that the increasing sophistication of drug trafficking networks and easier access to synthetic substances have heightened the vulnerability of young people, calling for innovative and coordinated interventions.
According to him, substance abuse undermines education, destroys families, fuels criminal activities, reduces productivity, and places pressure on healthcare and social welfare systems.
As part of efforts to address the challenge, the governor disclosed that the state had adopted a multi-pronged strategy focused on prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and enforcement.
One of the key measures introduced by the administration is mandatory drug testing for students in tertiary institutions across the state.
AbdulRazaq explained that the initiative is aimed at early detection and intervention rather than punishment or stigmatization.
“This policy is not intended to stigmatise or punish young people. Rather, it is a proactive measure aimed at early detection, timely intervention and the provision of appropriate support services,” he stated.
The governor also announced progress on a specialised rehabilitation centre designed to provide treatment and recovery services for individuals battling substance use disorders. He noted that the facility would serve not only residents of Kwara State but also neighbouring states in the North Central and South-West regions upon completion.
Speaking on behalf of the First Lady, Ambassador Olufolake AbdulRazaq, the Commissioner for Social Development, Mariam Nna-Fatima, emphasized that addressing drug abuse requires collective action from all sectors of society.
“This challenge cannot be left to government alone. Parents, schools, religious institutions, community leaders, development partners and the private sector all have important roles to play,” she said.
She urged stakeholders to move beyond awareness campaigns and embrace practical actions capable of reducing substance abuse among young people.
The MTN Foundation also reaffirmed its commitment to youth-focused interventions through its Anti-Substance Abuse Programme, launched in 2019.
Representing the Chairman of the Foundation, Dr. Mosun Belo-Olusoga, Senior Lead, Sales and Trade Development, Valentina Obayemi, stressed the need to protect young Nigerians from the dangers of substance abuse.
“Every day in Nigeria, a young person takes a risk they may not fully understand. It may begin with curiosity, peer pressure, or even pain. But too often, it ends with consequences that affect families, communities and futures,” she said.
Obayemi disclosed that the programme is expanding its reach to 50 public secondary schools across 10 states and the Federal Capital Territory, targeting over 20,000 students with anti-drug education campaigns.
The NDLEA Commander in Kwara State, Fatima Popoola, noted that the state’s strategic location makes it particularly susceptible to drug trafficking activities.
She warned that the influx of illicit drugs continues to have a spillover effect on communities and linked substance abuse to growing security concerns, including violent incidents recorded in parts of Ilorin.
Popoola called on parents, community leaders, and other stakeholders to support ongoing efforts to curb drug abuse and redirect the energy of young people toward productive pursuits.
Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Lawal Olohungbebe, stressed the importance of collective responsibility in combating substance abuse.
“Everyone has a responsibility to contribute positively to the development of society,” he said.
Drug abuse remains a major public health and security concern in Nigeria, with authorities repeatedly warning that the widespread availability of illicit substances and misuse of prescription drugs continue to fuel crime, violence, mental health challenges, and school dropout rates across the country.
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