Stakeholders in Nigeria’s public health and technology sectors have unveiled the country’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI)-assisted tool designed to boost substance use screening and early intervention services.

The innovation, scheduled for official presentation during a national webinar on March 12, 2026, as part of the International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP) Nigeria’s knowledge update series, was developed by the ISSUP Nigeria chapter, in strategic collaboration with Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT).

The organisers described the AI-assisted substance use screening and brief intervention tool as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s public health and addiction prevention landscape.

They, however, stated that the digital platform is designed to widen access to early detection and brief intervention services, particularly for individuals who may not have access to traditional and facility-based care.

The ISSUP noted that substance use disorders remain under-identified across many low- and middle-income settings due to stigma, workforce shortages and limited access to structured clinical environments.

According to ISSUP Nigeria, the newly developed AI-assisted tool seeks to bridge this gap by leveraging digital technology to extend screening services beyond clinics and into communities.

The platform, according to it, offers anonymous risk assessment and brief guidance, while complementing, not replacing, human-led services. It also strengthens referral pathways to professional care when necessary.

President of ISSUP Nigeria chapter, Dr Olajumoke Koyeojo, who spoke ahead of the unveiling, described the initiative as a defining step in strengthening Nigeria’s prevention infrastructure.

She said the project reflects the chapter’s commitment to moving “from conversation to implementation,” adding that technology is being deployed to close screening gaps, reduce stigma and provide early support before substance use challenges escalate.

Koyeojo further emphasised that the collaboration with NIGCOMSAT highlights the importance of cross-sector partnerships in addressing complex public health challenges through innovation.

She added that the AI-assisted screening model was designed with scalability in mind, allowing it to be adapted to local cultural contexts and language variations.

ISSUP Nigeria chapter is part of the global ISSUP network committed to strengthening the professional development of the substance use prevention, treatment and recovery workforce, while promoting evidence-based strategies, capacity building and multi-sector collaboration to improve national and regional responses to substance use disorders.