On drug abuse pandemic in Northern Nigeria

The drug abuse pandemic in Northern Nigeria has become one of the most alarming and complex social problems of the 21st century. What began as isolated incidents of substance misuse has now evolved into a large-scale crisis that cuts across age groups, gender lines, and socioeconomic classes. In cities like Kano, Kaduna, Jos, Maiduguri, Sokoto, and Katsina, as well as in countless smaller towns and rural villages, the impact is felt daily in the form of shattered dreams, broken families, rising crime, deteriorating mental health, and a future that is increasingly uncertain for the region’s youth. The problem is no longer something whispered about in the background; it has become a visible stain on the social landscape, a crisis that communities can no longer ignore.

The substances being abused have also diversified in disturbing ways. Codeine-based cough syrups, which were once simple over-the-counter medicines, have become one of the most abused drugs in the region. Young people gather in hidden corners, abandoned buildings, uncompleted houses, or informal joints to share bottles of codeine like a form of escape from their frustrations. Tramadol, originally prescribed for severe pain, is now widely used to induce artificial courage, numbness, or energy. Cannabis remains easily accessible, while inhalants such as snuff, glue, petrol fumes, and shoe polish have become dangerously common among street children.

One of the most heartbreaking aspects of this pandemic is the age at which many victims begin using drugs. It is not uncommon to find adolescents—boys and girls of 12, 13, and 14—exposed to drugs through peers or neighborhood influencers. Some come from broken homes, some from loving homes where parents are unaware of their children’s struggles. Many start with simple curiosity or peer pressure but later fall into deep addiction. What begins as an attempt to “feel good” or “forget worries” quickly becomes a trap that destroys their mental, physical, and emotional well-being.

There are many factors driving the drug abuse pandemic. High unemployment stands at the centre of the crisis. With millions of young people unable to secure jobs despite completing school or learning skills, frustration becomes a daily companion. The feeling of being trapped—educated but jobless, willing but unable to earn—pushes many into substance use as a coping mechanism. The lack of opportunities has created a generation that feels neglected and hopeless, and drugs become an escape from the reality they face.

Another major factor is the gradual breakdown of traditional social structures. For generations, Northern Nigerian communities were known for strong family bonds, moral upbringing, and communal responsibility, but modern pressures have weakened these support systems. Parents spend long hours struggling to make ends meet, leaving young people emotionally unattended. Communication between parents and children has declined, making it difficult for families to detect early signs of drug involvement. The influence of social media, music, and modern youth culture has also contributed, introducing behaviors and lifestyles that conflict with traditional values. Insecurity has also played a significant role in deepening the crisis. For more than a decade, many Northern communities have been ravaged by insurgency, banditry, and communal violence. Thousands of young people have lost family members, homes, and sources of livelihood. Many have been forced to relocate to IDP camps, where emotional wounds and lack of resources create fertile ground for drug use as a means of coping with trauma. Soldiers, vigilantes, and civilians suffering from the psychological scars of conflict sometimes turn to substances to numb their pain.

The easy availability of drugs further fuels the pandemic. Illegal drug sellers operate in nearly every community, sometimes in small kiosks, pharmacies, markets, and even residential homes. Corruption within the distribution chain allows pharmaceutical opioids to circulate freely. The porous borders of the region make it easy for traffickers to smuggle dangerous substances from neighboring countries. Because these drugs are cheap and accessible, even those with little money can indulge in them regularly.

Behind the scenes, there is also a hidden group of victims who rarely receive attention: women. While men openly dominate the drug culture, the rise of substance abuse among women is a silent tragedy. Many women use drugs secretly due to depression, marital stress, domestic violence, poverty, or emotional abuse. Some housewives hide their addiction to maintain their reputation, drinking cough syrup or swallowing pills when no one is watching. Female addicts face harsher stigma, making them afraid to seek help even when their condition worsens.

Children are also among the most vulnerable victims. Thousands of street children, orphans, and internally displaced kids use inhalants or cheap substances simply to survive hunger, cold nights, and harsh living conditions. Their addiction begins not because they want to feel high, but because they want to stop feeling empty, hungry, and forgotten.

The consequences of the drug abuse pandemic are vast and deeply destructive. Crime rates have soared, especially petty theft, burglary, robbery, and assault—crimes often committed to fund addiction. Communities report increased cases of violence, domestic abuse, and neighborhood disputes linked to drug-influenced behaviour. Mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, hallucinations, and psychosis have become more common, overwhelming the already fragile healthcare system. Productivity has dropped as many youths become unemployable due to addiction. Families are torn apart as parents struggle with addicted children, spouses lose trust in one another, and financial resources are drained on informal treatment attempts that rarely work.

Despite the gravity of the crisis, there is hope. Across Northern Nigeria, individuals, communities, NGOs, and religious organisations are beginning to take action. Awareness campaigns are slowly enlightening parents and youths on the dangers of drug abuse. Rehabilitation centres, though still insufficient, are emerging to provide counseling, therapy, and medical detoxification for victims. Traditional and religious leaders are using their influence to discourage drug use and encourage community vigilance. Schools are introducing discussions on drug abuse, while local groups are organising youth empowerment programmes, sports competitions, and skill-acquisition workshops to give young people a sense of purpose.

What is needed now is a united and sustained effort. Government agencies must strengthen drug regulations, shut down illegal distribution networks, and ensure that pharmaceutical products are not sold without proper documentation. Community-based initiatives must be expanded, making it easier for families to seek help without shame or judgment. Rehabilitation centres must be funded and staffed with trained professionals who understand both the medical and cultural dimensions of addiction. Youth empowerment must become a priority, with job creation, vocational training, mentorship, and entrepreneurship programmes forming the backbone of long-term prevention.

The drug abuse crisis in Northern Nigeria is not merely a health concern; it is a social, economic, and moral emergency that touches every aspect of community life. It threatens education, safety, economic growth, and the mental well-being of an entire generation. But with collective action, sincere leadership, and compassion for those struggling with addiction, the region can rewrite its story. Northern Nigeria can rise above this pandemic, restore its values, protect its youth, and build a future filled with dignity, opportunity, and hope.

Zainab Ahmad resides in Kano

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