By DADA AYOKHAI
The Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development joins governments, development partners, and stakeholders worldwide in reaffirming our commitment to combating drug abuse and illicit trafficking as the global community marks the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26, 2026.
Hon. Eugenia Abdallah, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Edo State, in a personally signed statement, said the twin challenges continue to pose serious threats to public health, family stability, community safety, and sustainable development.
The situation she said is deeply concerning.
According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, UNODC, and Nigeria’s National Drug Use Survey, an estimated 14.3 million Nigerians aged 15 to 64 use psychoactive substances. This represents 14.4% of the population, significantly higher than the global average of 5.6%.
The South-South region, including Edo State, remains among the areas most affected by illicit drug use.
Recent records from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) further underscore the urgency of the situation. In 2025, the Edo State Command arrested 462 suspected drug offenders and recovered over 207,595 kilograms of illicit substances. Between January and March 2026 alone, illicit drugs with an estimated street value of ₦1.8 billion were intercepted and removed from circulation within the state.
Beyond these statistics are lives, families and communities bearing the devastating consequences of substance abuse. Drug addiction fuels criminal activities, domestic violence, mental health disorders, school dropouts, unemployment, family disintegration and declining productivity. Most alarming is its growing impact on young people, whose dreams, talents and future prospects are often destroyed by addiction. Protecting this generation must remain a collective priority.
In line with the SHINE Agenda of His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, Governor of Edo State, the State Government has taken decisive steps to address this growing social challenge through the establishment of the State and Local Government Drug Control Committees. These structures are designed to strengthen prevention, coordination and community-based responses to drug abuse across the state.
The Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has equally intensified interventions aimed at protecting vulnerable groups. Among these efforts is the ongoing removal and rehabilitation of mentally challenged persons from the streets of Benin City, many of whom are victims of prolonged substance abuse. Through psychosocial support, rehabilitation, counselling and family tracing, the Ministry continues to facilitate the recovery, reintegration and restoration of affected individuals.
As we mark this important day, I call on parents, guardians, schools, religious institutions, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, the media and every well-meaning citizen to join hands in the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
Preventing substance abuse is a shared responsibility that requires sustained awareness, early intervention, strong family values and community support.
Together, we can protect our children, empower our youth, strengthen our families and build a healthier, safer and more prosperous Edo State where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive.
Drug abuse is preventable. Recovery is possible. Together, we can break the cycle and build a future filled with hope, dignity and opportunity for all.
