Lagos Govt Sounds Alarm Over Drug Abuse, Canvasses Collective Action

Mary Nnah

The Lagos State Government has sounded the alarm over the growing menace of substance abuse in the state and across Nigeria, calling for collective action to combat the scourge.

Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State spoke at the MTN’s Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP) Advocacy Stakeholders Conference, held at the MTN Headquarters, Falomo, Lagos, where he emphasised the need for collective action to combat substance abuse in the state and across Nigeria.

Represented by the Secretary to the Government of Lagos State, Barr. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, Governor Sanwo-Olu described substance abuse as a “malignant cancer” that is corroding the fabric of society and jeopardizing the future of the nation’s youth.

“It is heartbreaking to witness a group of drug abusers tiding around the young souls of our society, now reaching even our innocent children,” Salu-Hundeyin said, emphasising the need for collective action to address the issue.

“Our youth embody our vitality, our promise for tomorrow, yet how can we hope to stand tall and resilient if this vital strength is weakened and corrupted by the poisons of addiction?”

She also outlined initiatives by the Lagos State Government to combat substance abuse, including the construction of a mental health institute, establishment of a mental health helpline, and regular interactions with regulatory agencies.

“We are committed to proactive, multi-structural strategies that place prevention at the heart of our response to drug abuse. We empower schools, communities, and religious institutions with the tools and knowledge to educate, identify, and intervene early. We have also strengthened our school counseling systems and expanded access to mental health support through our Lagos State Well-Being Programme”, “ Salu-Hundeyin said.

The state government also commended MTN Nigeria for its commitment to national well-being through the Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP).

The ASAP programme has invested in youth education, teacher training, and nationwide advocacy campaigns, demonstrating that corporate responsibility can go beyond business and become a force for social change.

The Executive Director of MTN Foundation, Odunayo Sanya, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to creating a future for Nigeria’s youth to thrive in.

“We have consistently used, and we continue to use, our resources to inspire change and trigger positive transformation in society. We remain committed to our mission, and we urge stakeholders to renew their commitment to combating substance abuse and to work together to build a safe, healthy, and productive society”, Sanya said.

MTN Foundation has invested over N33 billion in 20 years, touching 36 states, 3,600 communities, and 550 local government areas.

Sanya thanked partners, including the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), for their support in the fight against substance abuse.