The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has warned that the growing trade in synthetic drugs, changing trafficking routes and organised criminal networks are worsening insecurity in Nigeria.
The UNODC Country Representative, Cheikh Toure, made the observation on Friday in Abuja during the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, also known as World Drug Day.
Represented by the organisation’s Lead on Drug Demand Reduction, Dr Akanidomo Ibanga, Toure said the evolving nature of the global drug problem requires innovative, coordinated and evidence-based responses.
Speaking on the theme, “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,” he noted that synthetic drugs and emerging trafficking patterns now pose serious threats to public health, national security and sustainable development.
“The rise of synthetic drugs, evolving trafficking routes, and the intersection between drug economies and insecurity continue to challenge even the most robust systems,” he said.
Toure noted that Nigeria, as a major regional player, is not insulated from these challenges, stressing that the growing link between illicit drug activities and insecurity has made the fight against drug abuse and trafficking increasingly complex.
He, however, commended the Federal Government for adopting a balanced approach that combines supply reduction, demand reduction and respect for human rights in tackling the problem.
The UNODC official also praised the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, the Federal Ministry of Health and other stakeholders for strengthening the country’s response to drug-related issues.
According to him, UNODC is supporting preventive measures through the Children’s Amplified Prevention Services (CHAMPS) initiative, aimed at addressing risk factors before they develop into substance abuse.
He added that the organisation is working with government institutions to improve access to community-based treatment services, strengthen intelligence systems and establish early warning mechanisms to detect emerging drug trends, particularly synthetic substances.
Toure further advocated alternatives to incarceration for people with drug use disorders, arguing that health-centred interventions deliver more sustainable outcomes than punitive measures alone.
He stressed that addressing drug abuse and trafficking requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, given their links to youth unemployment, organised crime and social vulnerability.
The UNODC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria through technical assistance, strategic partnerships and innovative programmes aimed at building a safer and healthier society.