Obi Urges National Action on Drug Abuse, Human Rights Violations

By Mo Hanif 

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr Peter Obi, has called for urgent and coordinated national action to address the growing crisis of drug abuse and persistent human rights violations in Nigeria, warning that the issues pose a serious threat to national stability, public health and youth development.

Obi made the call while speaking at an event organised to commemorate the International Day Against Drug Abuse, where he lamented what he described as a rising epidemic that is destroying families, weakening institutions and fueling criminal activities across the country.

According to him, drug abuse in Nigeria has moved beyond being a health concern to becoming a major social and security challenge, with serious implications for productivity, crime rates and mental health, particularly among young people. He noted that available data from national and international agencies indicate that Nigeria’s drug abuse prevalence remains significantly higher than the global average.

“The survival and future of the nation are at stake when a large proportion of its productive population is trapped in addiction,” Obi said, stressing that the country cannot achieve sustainable development while neglecting the well-being and dignity of its citizens.

He also raised concerns over alleged human rights violations, especially in the treatment of vulnerable groups, calling on authorities to ensure that law enforcement efforts aimed at curbing drug trafficking do not result in abuses or unlawful practices. He emphasised the need for a balanced approach that combines enforcement with compassion, rehabilitation and respect for the rule of law.

Obi called for increased government investment in rehabilitation centres, mental health services and public education campaigns to address the root causes of drug abuse, including poverty, unemployment and lack of opportunities for young people. He further urged stricter punishment for drug traffickers and syndicates who profit from the destruction of lives, while cautioning against stigmatising victims of addiction.

He commended the efforts of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) but noted that enforcement alone would not solve the problem without broader social and economic reforms. Obi stressed that civil society organisations, religious bodies, the media and communities must work with government to treat drug abuse and human rights protection as national priorities.

The former Anambra State governor said Nigeria must urgently refocus its policies on human capital development, arguing that a nation that fails to protect its youth and uphold fundamental human rights risks long-term instability and decline.

His comments have renewed public debate on the intersecting challenges of drug abuse, insecurity and human rights in Nigeria, at a time when experts have warned that the crisis is deepening and requires decisive, coordinated action across all levels of government and society.