Gilbert Ekugbe The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime predicts a 40% increase in drug use in Africa by 2030, based on the continent’s growing youth population. The Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters in Abuja, Femi Babafemi, on Wednesday, made this known in a statement after a press conference to kick off the week-long activities to celebrate the 2024 International Day Against Drugs and Illicit Trafficking, in conjunction with other stakeholders like the UNODC. UNODC Country Deputy Representative, Mr.
Danilo Campisi, said the projection is based on the population of young people on the continent. He also lamented that the increase is extremely concerning considering that 2030 is only six years away. He said, “Projections show that by 2030, there will be a 40% increase in the use of drugs in Africa, based on the population of young people.
This is extremely concerning if we consider that 2030 is only six years away. “We are all familiar with the saying: “prevention is better than cure” and considering the data and projections, it has become even more critical for Nigeria to invest heavily in drug use preventive measures. I do not think it would be an exaggeration to describe this as a national emergency.
If the country is to take on the challenge of this projected increase in drug use, it is imperative that it adopts scientific evidence-based approaches that prioritise prevention and treatment.” He said UNODC has worked with the government of Nig.