Youth-Led Policy Advocacy for Substance Abuse Prevention and Community Drug Control in Nigeria

Abstract

Substance abuse has become one of the greatest public health and social issues confronting young people in Nigeria. The use of psychoactive drugs, including cannabis and tramadol, codeine syrup, alcohol, cigarettes, shisha and other illegal drugs, is still a major concern for the health, productivity, security and socioeconomic well-being of the youth. Although the government and the communities are striving to tackle the issue of drug abuse, the role of the youth in policymaking, implementation and monitoring of prevention and rehabilitation programmes is seldom meaningful. The policy brief explores the importance of youth-led advocacy for effective substance abuse prevention and community drug control efforts in Nigeria. Based on the qualitative data collected from Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with community and religious leaders, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with youth groups, and consultations with stakeholders in Taraba State, the study examines the extent of youth substance abuse, factors influencing the use of drugs, barriers to youth engagement, and potential areas for policy reform. The results show that the prevalence of substance abuse among youth is high, which is attributed to poverty, unemployment, peer pressure, poor law enforcement, lack of awareness and lack of access to rehabilitation facilities. The report suggests that youth participation should be institutionalised in drug control structures, preventative measures should be reinforced, rehabilitation facilities should be extended, and sustainable structures should be established to engage youth in advocacy and community work.