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UNODC Raises Alarm Over Growing Global Illicit Drug Supply
UNODC Raises Alarm Over Growing Global Illicit Drug Supply
By: Michael Mike
Growing illicit drug supply and increasingly agile trafficking networks are compounding intersecting global crises and challenging health services and law enforcement responses, according to the World Drug Report 2023 launched by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) on Monday.
New data put the global estimate of people who inject drugs in 2021 at 13.2 million, 18 per cent higher than previously estimated. Globally, over 296 million people used drugs in 2021, an increase of 23 per cent over the previous decade. The number of people who suffer from drug use disorders, meanwhile, has skyrocketed to 39.5 million, a 45 per cent increase over 10 years.
The Report features a special chapter on drug trafficking and crimes that affect the environment in the Amazon Basin, as well as sections on clinical trials involving psychedelics and medical use of cannabis; drug use in humanitarian settings; innovations in drug treatment and other services; and drugs and conflict.
The World Drug Report 2023 also highlighted how social and economic inequalities drive – and are driven by – drug challenges; the environmental devastation and human rights abuses caused by illicit drug economies; and the rising dominance of synthetic drugs.
The report showed that demand for treating drug-related disorders remains largely unmet with only one in five people suffering from drug-related disorders were in treatment for drug use in 2021, with widening disparities in access to treatment across regions.
Youth populations are the most vulnerable to using drugs and are also more severely affected by substance use disorder in several regions. In Africa, 70 per cent of people in treatment are under the age of 35.
The report argued that public health, prevention, and access to treatment services must be prioritized worldwide, or drug challenges will leave more people behind. It further underscored the need for law enforcement responses to keep pace with agile criminal business models and the proliferation of cheap synthetic drugs that are easy to bring to market.
Reacting to the findings of the report, UNODC Executive Director Ghada Waly said: “We are witnessing a continued rise in the number of people suffering from drug use disorders worldwide, while treatment is failing to reach all of those who need it. Meanwhile, we need to step up responses against drug trafficking rings that are exploiting conflicts and global crises to expand illicit drug cultivation and production, especially of synthetic drugs, fueling illicit markets and causing greater harm to people and communities.”
According to the report, the right to health is not granted to many people who use drugs; large inequalities in access and availability of controlled drugs for medical use persist, particularly for pain management; the disparity is particularly prevalent between the global North and South and across urban and rural areas, making some people feel the negative impact of drugs more than others.
Some 86 per cent of the world’s population live in countries with too little access to pharmaceutical opioids (as controlled under the 1961 Single Convention) – mainly low and middle-income countries; some impoverished and vulnerable populations, such as those in the tri-border area between Brazil, Colombia, and Peru, are trapped in rural areas with a high prevalence of drug-related crimes, with their remote locations make it exceedingly difficult for them to benefit from treatment services, resources, or the rule of law.
The report explained that the drug economy in the Amazon Basin is exacerbating additional criminal activities – such as illegal logging, illegal mining, illegal land occupation, wildlife trafficking and more – damaging the environment of the world’s largest rainforest. Indigenous peoples and other minorities are suffering the consequences of this crime convergence, including displacement, mercury poisoning, and exposure to violence, among others; environmental defenders are sometimes specifically targeted by traffickers and armed groups.
It stated that while the war in Ukraine has displaced traditional cocaine and heroin routes, there are signs that the conflict could trigger an expansion of the manufacture and trafficking of synthetic drugs, given the existing know-how and the large markets for synthetic drugs developing in the region: in the Sahel, the illicit drug trade finances non-state armed and insurgency groups, while in Haiti, drug traffickers take advantage of porous borders to bolster their businesses, fueling the country’s multiplying crises.
The report said while new research on the use of controlled drugs such as psychedelics to treat mental health conditions and substance use disorders shows promise, it however cautioned that the fast pace of developments could jeopardize efforts to enact policies that place public health concerns over commercial interests; without well-designed, adequately researched frameworks in place, there may be too little access for those who need treatment – potentially causing patients to turn to illegal markets – or conversely, the psychedelics may be diverted for non-medical use.
The report said the cheap, easy, and fast production of synthetic drugs has radically transformed many illicit drug markets; criminals producing methamphetamine – the world’s dominant illegally manufactured synthetic drug – are attempting to evade law enforcement and regulatory responses through new synthesis routes, bases of operation, and non-controlled precursors.
It raised the alarm that fentanyl has drastically altered the opioid market in North America with dire consequences, noting that in 2021, the majority of the approximately 90,000 opioid related overdose deaths in North America involved illegally manufactured fentanyls.
It was however said drug ban in Afghanistan may have reversed upward opium production trend; the 2023 opium harvest in Afghanistan may see a drastic drop following the national drug ban, as early reports suggest reductions in poppy cultivation, stressing that the benefits of a possible significant reduction in illicit opium cultivation in Afghanistan in 2023 would be global, but it will be at the expense of many farmers in the country who do not have alternative means of income generation.
It added that Afghanistan is also a major producer of methamphetamines in the region, and the drop in opiate cultivation could drive a shift towards synthetic drug manufacture, where different actors will benefit.
UNODC Raises Alarm Over Growing Global Illicit Drug Supply
Global Leaders Inspire Youth Action on Digital Education at LASSMUN 2026
By: Michael Mike
A powerful coalition of global and national leaders has challenged Nigerian students to take ownership of the future, as the Lagos Secondary Schools Model United Nations (LASSMUN) 2026 opened with a resounding focus on digital transformation, equity, and sustainable development.
At the heart of the gathering was a clear message: young people are not just participants in tomorrow’s world—they are already shaping it.
Delivering a keynote message, António Guterres underscored the United Nations’ unwavering belief in the capacity of youth to drive meaningful change. He told delegates that Model UN platforms are more than academic exercises—they are training grounds for leadership, diplomacy, and problem-solving in an increasingly complex world.
He emphasized that building a better future demands stamina, courage, and a deep commitment to fairness, urging students to always center the needs of the most vulnerable in their decision-making.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, reinforced the importance of education as a cornerstone of national progress, describing LASSMUN as a strategic investment in the next generation of leaders.
He highlighted ongoing efforts by the state government to strengthen education systems through innovation, infrastructure, and policies that promote critical thinking and character development. According to him, the discipline and engagement demanded by Model UN simulations mirror real-life governance and should inspire students to lead with integrity and purpose.
Providing a broader intellectual perspective, Efosa Osaghae, represented by Prof. Joshua Bolarinwa, said digital transformation holds immense promise for addressing global inequalities in education. However, he warned that without deliberate policies to ensure inclusiveness, technology could deepen existing divides.
He called for sustained investments in digital infrastructure, improved access, and stronger policy frameworks to ensure that no learner is left behind in the rapidly evolving knowledge economy.
The Director of the United Nations Information Centre Abuja, Ronald Kayanja, took the message further, reminding participants that youth are already central to global efforts on peace, climate action, and sustainable development.
He urged delegates to embrace dialogue, tolerance, and cooperation—core values of the United Nations—while also developing the critical ability to distinguish facts from misinformation in an increasingly polarized information landscape.
Earlier, LASSMUN President Damilola Ogunsanwo set the tone for the conference, describing it as a transformative experience that instills discipline, collaboration, and respect for global processes.
Also speaking, Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary of Education District III, Mrs. Mojisola Christiana Yusuf, emphasized that Model UN bridges classroom learning with real-world application, equipping students with essential skills such as negotiation, public speaking, and teamwork.
Adding a development perspective, Ms. Genevieve Chukwuezi, representing the United Nations Development Programme Lagos Office, highlighted how technology proved indispensable during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring continuity in learning despite widespread school closures.
She stressed that digital transformation must go beyond access to technology, focusing instead on innovation, scalability, and the ability to translate ideas into practical solutions that drive economic and social progress.
In a striking intervention, the conference Secretary-General, Praise Oyekunbi, cautioned against superficial adoption of technology, warning that digital tools without equitable access risk entrenching injustice rather than solving it.
“Technology without equity is not progress—it is exclusion,” she declared, drawing attention to the urgent need for inclusive digital policies.
With debates and committee sessions underway, LASSMUN 2026 is shaping up as more than a conference—it is a platform cultivating a new generation of informed, responsible, and globally conscious leaders ready to confront the defining challenges of the 21st century.
Global Leaders Inspire Youth Action on Digital Education at LASSMUN 2026
News
Stakeholders Call for Stronger Enforcement, Early Intervention to Curb School Bullying in Nigeria
Stakeholders Call for Stronger Enforcement, Early Intervention to Curb School Bullying in Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
Stakeholders from government agencies, civil society, security institutions, and the education sector have called for urgent early intervention, stronger enforcement of anti-bullying policies, and expanded youth empowerment programmes to address rising cases of bullying in Nigerian schools.
They made the call at a Stakeholder Consultative Dialogue on Anti-Bullying in Nigerian Schools convened by International Alert Nigeria on Friday in Abuja, where experts warned that bullying is increasingly becoming a major driver of mental health challenges and broader social risks among young people.
NDLEA links bullying to drug abuse risks
Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Marwa, warned that persistent bullying could expose young people to substance abuse and other harmful coping behaviours.
Represented by Henrietta HoldGod of the agency’s Counselling and Psychosocial Support Unit, he said victims of bullying often suffer anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and social withdrawal.
He stressed that in some cases, affected students may resort to drugs as a coping mechanism, noting that prevention of bullying directly aligns with NDLEA’s broader preventive mandate.
“Protecting children from bullying also means protecting them from pathways that may lead to drug abuse and other harmful behaviours,” he said, adding that safer schools are essential for building resilient communities.
NAPTIP urges zero tolerance and collective responsibility
The Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Binta Bello, described bullying as a violation of human rights that requires collective action across homes, schools, and communities.
Represented by NAPTIP Director Rebecca Enwusoyere, she called for strict zero-tolerance policies in schools, stronger parental engagement, and sustained community advocacy.
She also urged stakeholders to equip young people with skills to identify, resist, and report bullying, stressing that awareness campaigns, peer education, and safe reporting channels are critical to preventing silent suffering among victims.
Experts warn of rising mental health burden
A Senior Research Fellow in International Education and Development at the Open University, Dr. Margaret Ebubedike, said bullying had worsened in the post-COVID-19 period, with significant consequences for students’ mental health and learning outcomes.
She noted that bullying extends beyond individuals to affect families and the education system, disrupting academic engagement and undermining safe learning environments.
Citing regional data, she said between 27 and 50 percent of children in Sub-Saharan Africa experience bullying, warning that Nigeria’s situation appears more severe, with more than half of secondary school students reportedly affected.
“Tackling bullying requires a collective response involving parents, educators, policymakers, and communities,” she said.
Security agency warns of wider societal risks
The Commandant-General of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Ahmed Audi, cautioned that unresolved bullying cases could escalate into broader security threats if not addressed early.
Represented by CSC Adeoye Adegoke, he emphasised the need for early reporting systems and coordinated institutional responses to prevent escalation.
Federal Government reiterates policy commitment
The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to tackling bullying through the National Policy on Anti-Bullying in Schools.
Representing the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Mrs. Augustine Udo said the policy provides a framework for accountability, protection, and enforcement, urging stakeholders to move from policy discussions to practical implementation.
She called for stronger reporting mechanisms and increased empathy among students, teachers, and parents.
The Federal Ministry of Education Nigeria also confirmed that implementation guidelines and a dedicated committee have been established to ensure nationwide rollout of anti-bullying measures across schools.
Experts push for system-wide action
Behavioural Change Communication expert, Ms. Ayotola Ilori, said data shows bullying is widespread, with about 32 percent of Nigerians aged 12 to 17 affected, while as many as 85 percent are either victims, perpetrators, or both.
She welcomed the 2025 National Anti-Bullying Policy but warned that policy design alone is insufficient without full system-level implementation across schools nationwide.
Ilori also called for coordinated action across all 774 local government areas, urging students to speak up and avoid silence when facing bullying.
International Alert calls for practical interventions
Country Director of International Alert Nigeria, Dr. Kingsley Udo, said the initiative was prompted by growing concerns over recent bullying incidents, including a widely reported case in Edo State.
Represented by Programme Manager Sunday Jimoh, he said the dialogue aimed to move beyond awareness creation to actionable policy solutions.
He noted that bullying is not limited to schools but also exists in workplaces, sports, and leadership spaces, describing it as a broader societal challenge.
Udo said the organisation is working with schools to establish Youth Peace Clubs, where students are trained in conflict resolution and the psychological impact of bullying.
He added that safe reporting systems are also being developed to ensure victims can report incidents before they escalate.
At the end of the dialogue, organisers said a communiqué and policy roadmap would be developed to guide future advocacy and strengthen government engagement on anti-bullying interventions nationwide.
Stakeholders Call for Stronger Enforcement, Early Intervention to Curb School Bullying in Nigeria
Nigerian envoy visits troops in Benin, urges professionalism
By: Zagazola Makama
The Chargé d’Affaires at the Nigerian Embassy in Cotonou, Benin Republic, Amb. Bukar Kalambe, has visited Nigerian troops deployed under Operation AWATSE African Alliance II (OPAA II), urging them to uphold professionalism and represent the country with dignity.
Thrme visit took place on April 15, 2026, at Togbin Camp, where the envoy was accompanied by the Defence Adviser, Col. S.A. Yahaya, embassy staff, and the President of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO), Benin Republic branch, Alhaji Muhammad Muniru.
According to the sources, the visit was aimed at boosting the morale of the troops and reinforcing diplomatic support for the ongoing mission.During the interaction, Kalambe charged the troops to remain disciplined and committed to their mandate, while serving as good ambassadors of Nigeria.
He also assured them of continued support from the Nigerian mission in Benin Republic to ensure the success of the operation.
The Commanding Officer of OPAA II, Lt.-Col. A.A. Ikoro, later conducted the envoy on a guided tour of the camp, showcasing facilities, vehicles, and operational equipment provided by the Nigerian Army for the mission.End
Nigerian envoy visits troops in Benin, urges professionalism
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Stakeholders Call for Stronger Enforcement, Early Intervention to Curb School Bullying in Nigeria
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