The Federal Government plans to conduct a drug use survey as part of its efforts to combat drug abuse and develop preventive measures.
It said the survey to be conducted soon would help the government break the vicious cycle of drug abuse, safeguard teeming youth from falling prey to the illicit act and ensure proper resource allocation to address the issue effectively.
President Bola Tinubu said this at an event held on Tuesday in Abuja to commemorate the 2024 United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking themed, “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention”.
On December 7th, 1987, the United Nations General Assembly set aside June 26 of every year as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking to raise awareness about the major problem that illicit drugs represent to society.
Drug abuse refers to the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs. It leads to addiction, a chronic, relapsing disorder characterised by compulsive drug seeking, continued use despite harmful consequences, and long-lasting changes in the brain.
The annual event with support from the MTN Foundation encourages governments, organizations, and individuals to come together to combat drug abuse and illegal drug trade through education, prevention, and treatment programmes.
