The Lagos State Government has expressed concern over the increasing use of synthetic drugs, the misuse of prescription medications and the growing presence of online drug markets, warning that the trend poses a grave threat to the future of Nigerian youths.

The state said the evolving drug abuse crisis demands urgent and coordinated action to protect young people from the dangers of substance abuse.

The warning was issued during the 2026 World Drug Abuse Day commemoration held at Ikeja Senior Grammar School, Bolade, where government officials, mental health professionals and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) called for stronger collaboration to prevent drug abuse among adolescents.

The stakeholders stressed the need for sustained awareness campaigns, early intervention and collective efforts by families, schools, communities and relevant agencies to tackle the growing menace.

Speaking at the event themed, “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,” Chairman of the Lagos State Inter-Ministerial Drug Abuse Control Committee (LSIDACC) and Director of Pharmaceutical Services in the Ministry of Health, Pharm. Olabisi Okewole, said the drug abuse landscape has become increasingly complex.

She attributed the growing challenge to the proliferation of synthetic drugs, the abuse of prescription medicines and digital platforms facilitating access to illicit substances.

She warned that young people remain the most vulnerable victims of the evolving drug problem.

“The people most affected are often our young people; the same young people we are counting on to build this country’s future,” she said.

Okewole stressed that tackling substance abuse requires more than arrests and prosecution, noting that poverty, unemployment, untreated mental health conditions, adverse childhood experiences and peer pressure are major drivers of drug abuse.

“Drug abuse isn’t simply a crime problem we can arrest our way out of. If we fail to address these root causes, we will only continue treating the symptoms,” she said.

She urged parents, teachers, religious leaders and community stakeholders to intensify efforts at prevention while encouraging young people to reject drugs and seek help whenever they or their peers face substance abuse challenges.

According to her, prevention remains the most cost-effective approach to addressing the menace, adding that stronger collaboration among government agencies, schools, healthcare providers, civil society organisations and faith-based groups would strengthen prevention, treatment and rehabilitation programmes.

Delivering a keynote lecture, mental health expert, Dr. Oluseyi Odewale, attributed the increasing vulnerability of adolescents to peer pressure, social media influence, curiosity, academic stress and family-related challenges.

She explained that teenagers are more susceptible to risky behaviour because the brain’s prefrontal cortex, responsible for judgement, reasoning and impulse control, does not fully mature until about the age of 25.

Odewale warned that substance abuse damages both physical and mental health, undermines academic performance, destroys relationships and limits future career opportunities.

She advised students to set clear life goals, choose friends wisely, engage in healthy recreational activities and seek support from parents, teachers or counsellors whenever faced with difficult situations.

Representing the Lagos State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Superintendent of Narcotics Ayenigbara Samuel urged students to resist peer pressure, warning that drugs destroy lives and promising futures.

“As I look around this hall today, I see future doctors, governors, senators and even Presidents of Nigeria. Protect those dreams by staying away from drugs,” he said.

Also speaking, Deputy Director of Public Affairs, Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Olabode Lawal, said substance abuse now extends beyond illicit narcotics to include the misuse of prescribed medications, urging students to adhere strictly to medical prescriptions.

Similarly, Deputy Director of Community Development in the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mrs. Morayo Lamilisa, cautioned against the misuse of over-the-counter medicines, including cough syrups, warning that abuse of such drugs damages the brain and destroys future aspirations.

A representative of the Mental Health and Special Projects Unit of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Mr. Titofunmi Atewologun, described substance abuse as both a public health and mental health challenge requiring sustained prevention, education, rehabilitation and community support.

He encouraged young people to seek guidance from trusted adults whenever confronted with pressure from friends or social media.

The event also featured anti-drug advocacy sessions for students, who pledged to become ambassadors against substance abuse by promoting healthy lifestyles and encouraging their peers to seek help rather than resort to drugs. (The Nation)