The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has warned that the growing drug trade, driven by synthetic substances, evolving trafficking routes and organised criminal networks, was fuelling insecurity in Nigeria.
The UNODC Country Representative, Cheikh Toure, gave the warning at the commemoration of the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (World Drug Day) on Friday in Abuja.
Toure, who was represented by Dr Akanidomo Ibanga, Lead, Drug Demand Reduction, UNODC, said the issue required innovative and coordinated responses.
Speaking on the theme “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses”, Toure said the global drug landscape was changing rapidly.
This, he emphasised, was with synthetic drugs and new trafficking patterns posing fresh threats to public health, national security and sustainable development.
