The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has unveiled the “Catch Them Young” programme aimed at tackling the growing menace of drug abuse among Nigeria’s youth, particularly in secondary schools.
The unveiling ceremony took place at Government Secondary School, Tudun Wada, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja, on Friday, with NAFDAC Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, emphasising the importance of the initiative.
Adeyeye, in her keynote address, stated, “The ‘NAFDAC-Catch them Young’ programme focuses on drug abuse education and awareness, especially targeting the youth, who are the most affected by this crisis.”
She highlighted alarming statistics, noting that “14.4 per cent or 14.3 million Nigerians are victims of drug abuse,” stressing the urgency of the programme.
She added that the initiative is part of NAFDAC’s broader mandate to collaborate with stakeholders on drug demand reduction strategies.
According to Adeyeye, one in four high-risk drug users in Nigeria has been arrested for drug-related offences.
These offences range from possession (73 per cent) to theft (12 per cent), sex work (5 per cent), burglary (4 per cent), and shoplifting (2 per cent).
“These statistics only reflect arrests, but many crimes go unreported, meaning the problem is likely worse than these figures suggest,” she cautioned.
The Catch Them Young Programme is designed to educate students on both legal and illegal drugs, with a focus on preventing addiction.
“Drug addiction can arise from both legal, prescribed medicines and illicit drugs,” Adeyeye noted.
She emphasised that the programme’s purpose is “not to scare anyone, but to have honest conversations” with students to help them make informed decisions about drugs and alcohol.
Adeyeye also addressed the broader impacts of drug abuse on society.
“Two-thirds of people who abuse drugs report serious problems, such as missing school or work, poor performance, and even neglect of their families,” she added.
She warned students about the dangers of commonly abused substances, including alcohol, tramadol, and prescription drugs, which are often easily accessible without proper prescriptions.
She explained, “Many teens may order substances online that promise benefits like improved sports performance or weight loss, but these are dangerous and often lead to more severe drug use.”
At the end, she noted that teens might experiment with hard drugs like cocaine or methamphetamine, with severe consequences for their health and future.
NAFDAC’s initiative also aims to highlight the risks associated with drug abuse, which include poor judgment, high-risk sexual behavior, mental health disorders, impaired driving, and declining academic performance.
“Substance use can result in bad grades due to low attendance,” Adeyeye pointed out.
“Drug addiction leads to serious impairments, illnesses, and even death. It damages vital organs such as the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys, and impairs memory, learning, and concentration,” she stated, urging students to resist peer pressure, seek professional help if needed, and focus on their studies.
A major component of the programme is the role of teachers.
“Our teachers spend a considerable amount of time with students, and they have a critical role to play in identifying behavioral changes and working with parents to address them,” she said.
Teachers were encouraged to create a supportive environment and avoid being judgmental toward students who may be struggling with drug use.
“Offer non-judgmental support and seek help when needed,” she advised.
NAFDAC also plans to expand its Consumer Safety Club in secondary schools as part of its broader strategy to fight counterfeit drugs and ensure drug safety.
“We deem it expedient to immunize our society by re-orientating our youths through the activities of the NCSC,” Adeyeye stated.
She also urged students to “be agents of change” and make responsible choices that will protect them from the dangers of drug abuse.
