A psychiatrist in Ogun state has urged the federal government to declare a state of emergency over the growing drug abuse crisis in the country. Dr. Adebayo Adeyemi, a senior psychiatrist at the Ogun State Ministry of Health, made the call during a public health forum in Lagos.
Dr. Adeyemi cited alarming statistics from the National Institute of Drug Abuse, which reported a 35% increase in drug-related hospital admissions in 2026. The majority of cases involved youth aged 15 to 24, with opioids and synthetic stimulants being the most commonly abused substances.
The psychiatrist emphasized that the current measures by state governments are insufficient to address the scale of the problem. He called for a coordinated national response, including stricter law enforcement, increased funding for rehabilitation centers, and public awareness campaigns.
The issue of drug abuse has been a growing concern in Nigeria, with reports of rising addiction rates and related crimes. In 2025, the federal government launched a pilot program in three states, but experts say it has not been expanded nationwide.
The Nigerian government has faced criticism for its slow response to the crisis, despite growing public awareness and advocacy from health professionals. Dr. Adeyemi’s call for a state of emergency highlights the urgency of the situation and the need for immediate federal intervention.
