Experts call for urgent action as drug abuse worsens nationwide
via Punch Nigeria6 min read
Drug abuse, involving illicit drugs and pharmaceutical substances, is increasing across the country, driven by worsening economic conditions, greater availability of narcotics, and deficiencies in enforcement and rehabilitation systems. This trend is observed from major cities to rural areas, with substances like cannabis, tramadol, codeine-based syrups, and methamphetamine being consumed by youths and working-age adults. Experts highlight concerns over public health, rising crime rates, and productivity losses. The World Health Organization reports 3.3 million deaths annually from harmful alcohol use and notes that over 15.3 million people globally have drug use disorders. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime's World Drug Report 2025 aims to enhance international cooperation in addressing the global drug problem. In Nigeria, stakeholders warn that current interventions are insufficient. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency links the surge to increased trafficking and domestic consumption, especially among young people. Nigeria remains a country significantly affected by drug use in West Africa, with experts identifying the economic situation, limited employment, and high cost of living as major contributing factors. Pharmacists and drug vendors report increased demand for sedatives, opioid-based painkillers, and codeine-containing cough syrups despite regulatory restrictions. The NDLEA has intensified operations against trafficking but acknowledges that enforceme
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The Federal Government has successfully conducted the 2026 National Common Entrance Examination for admission into Federal and State Technical Colleges. During this exercise, the Federal Ministry of Education piloted a computer-based test CBT, coordinated by the National Business and Technical Examinations Board. The examination was held nationwide and conducted smoothly across various centers. Mrs. Patricia Ogungbemi, Director of Technology and Science Education, representing the Minister of Education, monitored the exercise and encouraged candidates to pursue technical and vocational education for self-reliance, innovation, entrepreneurship, and employment. She emphasized the opportunities for technical college graduates, including practical, industry-relevant skills and government initiatives for job creation. The pilot CBT session, conducted after the conventional examination, aimed to assess readiness for a future transition to a fully computer-based examination system, reflecting the Federal Government's commitment to digital transformation and quality technical education. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to digitalize entrance examinations in Nigeria, following similar reforms in other examination bodies.
Former Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh stated that Morocco could have beaten Brazil 3-1 if they had players similar to Nigeria's Victor Osimhen or Ademola Lookman in their squad. Oliseh shared this comment on his X handle after Morocco's 1-1 draw with Brazil in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group Stage match. He described Morocco's performance as impressive, highlighting their tactical balance in both attack and defense. Oliseh noted that Brazil's result flattered them, attributing the respectable scoreline to their star players like Vinicius Jr and Raphinha. Morocco secured a point against the five-time world champions in the match where Vinicius won the Superior Player of the Match award.
The air component of Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai neutralized 27 terrorists in separate air interdiction missions in Borno. An operational report from the Nigerian Air Force indicated that strikes were conducted following Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions. On June 10, an air interdiction mission at Dawoshe, a known terrorist enclave in the Southern Tumbus area, resulted in the destruction of vehicles and the neutralization of 12 terrorists. On the same day, a precision strike on terrorist positions at Metele in the Northern Tumbus area of Guzamala Local Government Area, Borno, confirmed 15 terrorists were neutralized. These operations are part of ongoing efforts to degrade terrorist capabilities, disrupt logistics networks, and deny insurgents freedom of action across the North-East theatre. The Armed Forces of Nigeria are committed to sustaining offensive operations against terrorist strongholds.