14.8% of Nigerians addicted to Drugs –United Nations

By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.

A startling 14.8% of Nigeria’s population is addicted to drugs, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has revealed, raising concerns about the country’s future and the urgent need for grassroots intervention.

Mr. Cheikh Toure, UNODC Country Representative in Nigeria, made the disclosure during the fifth-anniversary celebration of the Slum-to-School initiative by the Regy and Henry Amazing Grace Foundation (RHAGF), held at LEA Primary School, Mabushi, Abuja, on September 9, 2025.

“According to the Nigerian Drug Use Survey, 14.8% of Nigerians are currently addicted to drugs. This is a national emergency,” said Mr. Toure.

He commended RHAGF’s community-level impact and described its work as “a significant building block toward youth resilience against drugs, crime, and human trafficking.” Though he noted the initiative is still at the “nano level,” Mr. Toure emphasized that its ripple effect would soon be felt across the FCT and Nigeria’s 36 states.

“No organization can touch the lives of people at the grassroots better than civil society organizations like RHAGF,” he said. “Their work is critical in helping children realize their full potential.”

UNODC, NDLEA Collaboration

Mr. Toure also praised the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for its leadership in implementing the National Drug Master Plan, developed in collaboration with UNODC.

“We work closely with NDLEA to ensure that policies, enforcement, training, and rehabilitation are aligned with international conventions. However, prevention must start with the children,” he said.

He stressed the need to bring international support down to the local level to address Nigeria’s unique challenges, adding that even one empowered child can contribute to rebuilding the country’s social fabric.

From Slums to Schools: RHAGF’s 5-Year Journey Earns National Praise

Federal Ministry of Youth, FCT, Civil Society Leaders Laud RHAGF’s Impact on Education, Child Welfare

The Regy and Henry Amazing Grace Foundation (RHAGF) marked the fifth anniversary of its transformative Slum-to-School initiative on Monday with national recognition and overwhelming community support.

Meanwhile, the Hon. Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Olawande Dayo, represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the Minister on Gender Matters, Kehinde O., commended the foundation for providing free education and empowerment to children from underserved communities.

“RHAGF’s tireless efforts are shaping Nigeria’s future, one child and one school at a time,” the Ministry noted in its official goodwill message.

Transforming Lives Since 2021

RHAGF’s National Coordinator, Dr. Duru Regina, recounted how the initiative began in 2021, inspired by a shocking UNICEF report that over 10 million children were out of school in Nigeria.

“Our goal was to bridge the education gap and give every child, regardless of their background, access to quality education,” said Dr. Duru in her speech.

Since its inception, the Slum-to-School project has enrolled over 400 out-of-school children in Bwari and AMAC Area Councils of the FCT. RHAGF has also economically empowered more than 400 households through skill acquisition and livelihood support.

The event drew goodwill messages and speeches from several high-level dignitaries and stakeholders.

Ms. Olubunmi Olowookere, Permanent Secretary, FCT Social Development Secretariat, praised RHAGF for its alignment with the SDGs and its commitment to human capital development.

“You dared to declare that a child’s destiny shouldn’t be determined by their postal code. Today, we are celebrating real transformation.”

Hajia Habiba Aliyu, Director of Primary School Services, FCT-UBEB, expressed deep gratitude for RHAGF’s continued support for children’s education.

Mr. Paulinus Onabe Odey, of Save the Child Initiative and NACTAL Nigeria, highlighted RHAGF’s partnership in tackling child trafficking and abuse.

“Through our member organizations, we work across Nigeria to keep children safe and in school. RHAGF’s impact here is just one example.”

Ojo Michael, from the Nigerian National Commission for UNESCO (NATCOM), acknowledged the initiative’s strong alignment with UNESCO’s education priorities.

Royal Commendation and Community Impact

Chief Hassan Dangana Mabushi, traditional ruler of Mabushi and the event’s Royal Host, gave a heartfelt tribute to Dr. Duru Regina.

“She has changed this community, socially, educationally, and economically. We owe her and her organization a debt of gratitude,” the Chief said.

He revealed how RHAGF has supported the education of children in Mabushi from primary school through junior secondary, with many now on track to complete secondary education.

The event also saw scholarships awarded to several children, including 70-year-old Rachel Williams, a JSS3 student at LEA Mabushi. School materials were distributed, and several teachers shared moving testimonies about the changes witnessed in students’ lives.

“This project is not just an intervention, it’s a movement of hope and dignity,” said Elizabeth Yina, a teacher at the school.

The Slum-to-School project is funded through a combination of RHAGF crowdfunding, the National Mass Education Commission (NMEC), RCCG Lugbe Province, Save the Child Initiative, and Soower Foundation.

As the project enters its sixth year, stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that no child is left behind in the pursuit of education and empowerment.