The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has raised the alarm over the rising cases of drug abuse and illicit trafficking in Nigeria, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to public health, security, human dignity and national development.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Chief Tony Ojukwu, SAN, made the disclosure in a statement commemorating the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

Ojukwu said substance abuse, especially among young Nigerians, has reached worrying levels and requires urgent, coordinated action from government institutions, communities and other stakeholders.

He, however, stressed that the fight against drug abuse must be driven by respect for human rights, noting that measures adopted in tackling the menace must align with constitutional guarantees of life, dignity, liberty and fair hearing.

According to him, Nigeria’s response must also reflect the provisions of the Mental Health Act 2021, the National Health Act 2022, international human rights obligations and global drug control frameworks.

The NHRC boss warned against stigmatizing or discriminating against persons struggling with drug dependence, insisting that they should receive access to healthcare, rehabilitation, psychosocial support and opportunities for reintegration into society.

He noted that drug abuse has contributed to several social challenges, including domestic violence, crime, exploitation, human trafficking and insecurity, all of which undermine fundamental rights and freedoms.

Ojukwu said the Commission remains committed to promoting a public health approach to drug use and harm reduction, revealing that it has continued to organize national legislative forums and advocacy programmes to encourage informed discussions on drug policy.

He called on the National Assembly to ensure that human rights principles are integrated into the proposed national policy on drug use quantification thresholds.

The NHRC urged lawmakers to differentiate between individuals who use drugs for medical or therapeutic purposes and those involved in the illegal sale and trafficking of substances, warning that people seeking treatment should not be criminalized.

The Commission also appealed to government agencies, civil society organizations, families, schools, religious bodies and community leaders to intensify awareness campaigns aimed at preventing drug abuse among children and youths.

It further urged security agencies to strengthen the fight against illicit drug trafficking while ensuring compliance with national and international human rights standards.

Ojukwu reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to addressing the root causes of drug abuse, including poverty, unemployment, social exclusion and limited access to education and mental health services.

The NHRC called on Nigerians to work together towards building a society where drug abuse is reduced and the rights, dignity and wellbeing of every citizen are protected.