By Ebi Kesiena
The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has raised alarm over the growing impact of drug abuse on mental health, crime, and social instability across the country.
In a statement issued to mark the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, ACPN National Chairman, Ambrose Ezeh, described the crisis as a direct threat to national development.
Ezeh noted that the illegal sale of prescription drugs and abuse of substances like codeine cough syrup are not only criminal acts but dangerous trends sabotaging the country’s future.
“Drug abuse is fueling a rise in mental health disorders, school dropouts, family breakdowns, and even premature deaths. It is crippling dreams and driving the erosion of societal values,” he stated.
While lamenting the ease with which controlled substances circulate, Ezeh called on all tiers of government, security agencies, civil society, religious and traditional leaders, parents, and educators to take urgent, coordinated action to tackle the menace. He emphasised the need for mass education, early intervention, rehabilitation programmes, and strict enforcement of drug distribution laws.
“Every drug sold without prescription is a blow to our collective future,” he warned, urging relevant agencies to close loopholes in the drug supply chain that allow prescription medications to be diverted to the black market.
Meanwhile, he added that the ACPN is committed to supporting efforts that prevent abuse and rehabilitate those already affected, stressing that only a united front can safeguard Nigeria’s youth and protect future generations from the scourge of substance misuse.
