The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has revealed that one in every four Nigerians involved in drug and substance abuse is a woman, yet women account for only one in 20 people receiving drug treatment and rehabilitation in the country.

The agency also disclosed that about 244 million people worldwide were engaged in drug and substance abuse as of 2025, warning that drug use in Africa is projected to rise by 40 percent by 2030. In Nigeria, the prevalence of drug use is described as nearly three times higher than the global average.

These revelations were contained in a memorandum submitted to the House of Representatives ad hoc Committee investigating the rising incidence of drug and substance abuse in Nigeria. The committee is chaired by Hon. Oluwatimehin Adelegbe (APC, Ondo).

According to the UNODC, although women constitute a significant proportion of drug users in Nigeria, they are grossly underrepresented in treatment facilities, a situation attributed largely to stigma, discrimination, and barriers to access, which disproportionately affect women and girls.

The agency warned that if current trends persist, Nigeria could have over 20 million drug users by 2030, posing a serious threat to public health, social stability, and national security.

Citing findings from the 2025 World Drug Report, the UNODC noted that an estimated 144 million people used cannabis in 2023, representing 4.6 percent of the global population aged 15–24. Cannabis use has reportedly increased by 34 percent over the past decade and remains the primary drug of concern for 32 percent of people receiving treatment in Africa.

Globally, cannabis was used by 2.3 percent of women aged 15–64, while it accounted for 42 percent of drug use disorder cases worldwide. Additionally, 41 percent of countries reported cannabis as the main drug of concern among people in treatment.

The report further revealed that about 61 million people used opioids in 2023, including 30 million heroin users, representing 0.57 percent of the global population aged 15–64.

Policy Recommendations

The UNODC recommended the decriminalisation of drug possession for personal use within defined thresholds, aimed at shifting drug users from the criminal justice system to health-based interventions. It also advocated the institutionalisation of harm-reduction strategies, including needle and syringe programmes, Naloxone distribution, medication-assisted treatment, and community outreach.

The agency further urged the strengthening of asset forfeiture laws and financial investigations to disrupt drug trafficking networks.

In a separate submission, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) informed the committee of evolving trafficking patterns, including increased use of courier services, luggage concealment, digital ordering platforms, and non-conventional routes. The agency also highlighted the growing involvement of transnational criminal networks, the emergence of clandestine methamphetamine laboratories, and rising cases of poly-drug trafficking designed to reduce detection risks.