Review of Drug Abuse in Nigeria: A Socioeconomic Burden and Public Health Threat

Abstract

Drug abuse represents a critical public health emergency and developmental challenge in Nigeria, with escalating prevalence rates and profound socioeconomic consequences. Recent epidemiological studies suggest Nigeria may be confronting one of Africa's most severe substance abuse crises, though comprehensive analysis of its multidimensional impact remains inadequately documented in scholarly literature. This systematic review employed secondary data analysis methodology, synthesizing evidence from 45 peer-reviewed articles, government reports, and international databases published between 2015 - 2024. Analytical frameworks drew from theoretical perspectives including the social ecological model and political economy of health to interpret patterns and implications. Findings indicate approximately 14.3 million Nigerians aged 15-64 years engage in drug abuse, with cannabis (10.8%), prescription opioids (4.7%), and codeine-containing syrup (2.4%) representing the most prevalent substances. The economic burden includes estimated annual productivity losses of ₦4.2 trillion ($5.1 billion), while healthcare costs for substance-related disorders exceed ₦650 billion ($780 million) yearly. A conceptual framework illustrates intersecting pathways between drug abuse and socioeconomic outcomes, while trend analysis reveals concerning epidemiological shifts toward polysubstance use among youth populations. The syndemic nature of drug abuse in Nigeria appears deeply embedded within structural determinants including poverty (42% prevalence), youth unemployment (53% among graduates), and inadequate mental health infrastructure (fewer than 150 psychiatrists nationwide)