The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a warning to Nigerians, especially the youth, about the dangers of drug abuse, calling it a major threat to the country’s future.
Prof. Christianah Adeyeye, Director-General (DG) of NAFDAC, made this statement on Wednesday during the “Catch Them Young” sensitization event at Muhammadu Kobo Secondary School, located in Lapai Local Government Area of Niger. She was represented by the state coordinator, pharmacist James Kigbu.
According to Adeyeye, 14.3 million Nigerians are reported to be victims of drug abuse. She expressed deep concern about the alarming statistics and stressed the importance of a collective effort to address the issue.
The “Catch Them Young” initiative aims to reduce the prevalence of drug and substance abuse among secondary school students. The NAFDAC DG highlighted the availability of harmful substances, such as alcohol and tobacco, which are easily accessible to adolescents.
“Adolescence is a stage where experimentation often begins, and this is where the issue starts,” she noted, urging students to understand the importance of the fight against drug abuse. “This is a fight for Nigeria's future.”
Dr. Abubakar Mohammed, principal of the school, praised NAFDAC for reinstating the consumer safety club and encouraged students to avoid drugs. Mr Abdulmalik Ndagi, state chairman of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), also expressed his gratitude for NAFDAC's attention to the future of the youth and called for sustained efforts in combating drug abuse.
In addition, the NAFDAC Consumer Safety Club (NCSC) was re-established at the school, with 175 students officially inducted as members.
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