Sardauna Foundation Reports 14.3 Million Nigerians Engaged in Drug Abuse

The Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation (SABMF) has sounded the alarm over the increasing drug use in Nigeria, estimating that around 14.3 million individuals are currently using drugs, a significant number of whom are youth.

The foundation has termed this situation a national crisis that demands immediate and collaborative action from government and other relevant parties.

This announcement was made in a statement released on March 30, 2026, following the foundation's monthly virtual mentorship program, which focused on the socio-economic impacts of drug and substance abuse.

During the program, Dr. Muhammad Kasim from the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH) presented findings from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, revealing a drug use prevalence rate of 14.4% in Nigeria, equivalent to the aforementioned 14.3 million users across the country.

The foundation expresses serious concerns regarding the high prevalence of drug use among the youth, highlighting the significant risks this poses to national progress, public health, and security.

Moreover, they pointed out that the growing accessibility and consumption of both conventional and synthetic drugs are associated with rising levels of addiction, mental health issues, and increased strain on the healthcare system.

The SABMF also cautioned that this alarming trend contributes to diminished productivity, heightened crime rates, and the deterioration of family structures as well as educational achievements.

Particular attention was drawn to Northern Nigeria, where factors such as poverty, unemployment, low school enrollment, and a large number of out-of- school children are heightening the vulnerability of youths to drug misuse.