WorldStage Newsonline– The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has called for urgent, coordinated, and sustained action to combat drug abuse in Nigeria.
The association’s Chairman, Mr Ezeh Igwekamma, made the call in a statement on Thursday in Abuja to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2025.
The day is observed globally every June 26 to promote efforts against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
The theme for 2025 is “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention.”
According to Igwekamma, drug abuse contributes to a range of social problems including mental health disorders, crime, school dropout, family breakdown, and premature death.
“It cripples dreams and sabotages national development.
“Every tablet sold without prescription, every codeine cough syrup diverted, and every hard drug traded illegally is not just a crime but a threat to our collective future,” he said.
He urged stakeholders, government, civil society, security agencies, religious and traditional leaders, parents, and educators, to intensify their roles in prevention, education, early intervention, and rehabilitation.
Commenting on the 2025 theme, Igwekamma said it aligned with the association’s vision and emphasised the need to shift focus from reaction to prevention.
“As community pharmacists, trusted, accessible healthcare providers on the frontlines, we witness firsthand the silent crisis of substance abuse in our communities, especially among youth,” he said.
He highlighted ACPN’s ongoing efforts, noting the association’s National Anti-Drug Abuse Competition among secondary school students, which had run for more than a decade.
“The essence of this annual competition is preventive education, to enlighten younger generations on the consequences of drug abuse, in line with the UNODC Strategic Plan for Substance Abuse.”
Igwekamma reaffirmed ACPN’s commitment to a drug-free Nigeria and outlined planned initiatives, including: Strengthening the regulatory environment by advocating stricter enforcement on the distribution and sale of controlled substances.
“Empowering community pharmacists to identify early signs of drug misuse and offer counseling, referrals, and support for rehabilitation.
“Conducting public health campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse.”
The 2025 World Drug Day emphasises investment in prevention strategies, covering justice, education, healthcare, and alternative livelihoods, as key to building sustainable resilience.
