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UNODC Raises Alarm Over Growing Global Illicit Drug Supply

Published

3 years ago

June 26, 2023

Ochuwa Ibrahim

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

News

NESREA Shuts Sunseed Oil Facility in Zaria Over Air Pollution Violations

Published

1 hour ago

December 30, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

NESREA Shuts Sunseed Oil Facility in Zaria Over Air Pollution Violations

By: Michael Mike

The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has ordered the closure of the Sunseed Oil processing plant in Zaria, Kaduna State, following findings of severe air pollution linked to the facility’s operations.

NESREA said the action was taken after investigations confirmed that the plant was emitting harmful pollutants into the atmosphere in breach of the National Environmental (Air Quality Control) Regulations.

The regulations require industries to install effective pollution control systems and adopt cleaner production methods to minimize environmental and health risks.

A statement by the agency’s spokesperson, Nwamaka Ejiofor on Tuesday, said the level of emissions from the Sunseed Oil facility posed a direct threat to the surrounding environment and residents in nearby communities, prompting immediate intervention to halt further damage.

She noted that the enforcement exercise reflects the agency’s resolve to ensure that industrial operators comply with environmental standards and to protect the public from the dangers associated with uncontrolled industrial emissions and effluents.

Commenting on the development, the Director-General of NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor, warned companies operating across the country to adhere strictly to national environmental laws.

He stressed that the agency would continue to take decisive action against facilities whose operations endanger public health or degrade the environment.

NESREA reiterated its commitment to regular monitoring and enforcement, noting that environmental protection remains a critical component of sustainable development in Nigeria.

NESREA Shuts Sunseed Oil Facility in Zaria Over Air Pollution Violations

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Atiyaye unveils a book on the history of Kukar-Gadu

Published

8 hours ago

December 30, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Atiyaye unveils a book on the history of Kukar-Gadu

By: Yahaya Wakili

Millions of naira were realized at the Unveiling Potentials of Kukar-Gadu, Launching of History of Kukar-Gadu Book, Presentation of Kukar-Gadu Physical Development Plan, and Commissioning of Kukar-Gadu Empowerment Development Initiative at Kukar-Gadu town of Yobe state.

In his keynote address, the Chairman of the Kukar-Gadu Empowerment Development Initiative (KEDI), TPI, Barnabas Atiyaye, said the Kukar-Gadu Empowerment Development Initiative was triggered by Victim Support Funds’ (VSF) proactive intervention activities chaired by Gen. T. Y. Danjuma from inception to its closure in 2024.

He said through KEDI, we aim to create opportunities where there was once struggle to restore hope, where there was once despair, and to build bridges where there was once division. We are resolved to work for a Kukar-Gadu that is empowered, self-reliant, forward-looking, and united. We desire to be a springboard for the development of not only the Kukar-Gadu or Fika local government area, but the entire Yobe state and, by extension, the nation.

Mr. Barnabas revealed that the master plan of Kukar-Gadu is more than a technical document; it is a covenant with the future, a clear roadmap that defines how we as a community shall shape the physical, social, and economic destiny of our community, and it will also provide guidance for infrastructure, housing, agriculture, education, commerce, and environmental sustainability.

“The history of Kukar-Gadu” is more than a collection of dates and events. It is the story of our fathers, their struggles, their courage, their triumphs, and their faith. It tells of the foundations upon which we now stand, and in commissioning this book, we are not only honoring our past, we are preserving it for generations yet unborn.

Atiyaye appeals to individuals, schools, libraries, and government institutions to obtain copies of this book; it serves as a source of knowledge and inspiration for our youth so that they may know their roots and carry our values forward with pride. We pray that this book will keep alive the spirit of unity, courage, and progress that defines Kukar-Gadu. Ameen.

Speaking, the Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Ali Adamu Tikau (Talban Tikau), ably represented by Professor Dauda Abubakar, said that to have the Emir of Fika, along with the Emir of Pataskum, along with representatives of His Excellency, Governor Mai Mala Buni, CON, COMN, the representative of the Senator of the National Assembly, and many other personalities to come to this village in the Fika local government area, I will say that we are so excited and very proud of what is happening today.

He said the launching of the history of Kukar-Gadu is also a milestone at the program, and it is one of the highlights. It was a book written by Malam Ibrahim Sara Bangalu, who is also a son of Kukar-Gadu, and I had the opportunity of editing the book and making the necessary corrections before it was taken to press. It is a history that will help us reflect on who we are as a people. When a people do not know their history, when a people do not know where they come from, they will easily get lost. That is the purpose of launching.

“I would say that Kukar-Gadu, Goya district, Fika local government, and Gudi are places that are very special because of the type of educated people they have produced. I am a product of this community, and I am a living testament to the opportunities this community gave me, and I believe many are benefiting from it.

Also speaking, the district head of Goya, Alhaji Musa Garba Daya, said what the people of Kukar-Gadu did has become a big challenge to all the people of Goya district; they broke the record and urged the people to wake up to create something for the betterment of the people.

“If you observe, they print a master plan of Kukar-Gadu and focus on many years ahead. So this initiative—I am so impressed with it because it will help for the fiscal planning of the area for over ten years, as Alhaji Musa Garba Daya said.

According to him, the people of Kukar-Gadu are also commissioning the Empowerment Development Initiative, which was triggered by Victim Support Funds (VSF), chaired by Gen. T. Y. Danjuma, and I appreciate it so much because these will greatly assist both our youth and women of the area.

Atiyaye unveils a book on the history of Kukar-Gadu

News

ActionAid Nigeria Warns of Rising Debt, Weak Social Spending in 2026 Budget Proposal

Published

8 hours ago

December 30, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

ActionAid Nigeria Warns of Rising Debt, Weak Social Spending in 2026 Budget Proposal

By: Michael Mike

ActionAid Nigeria has raised serious concerns over the Federal Government’s proposed 2026 Appropriation Bill, warning that the budget could worsen Nigeria’s debt burden and further sideline key social sectors critical to poverty reduction and inclusive growth.

In its review of the ₦58.18 trillion budget proposal, the organisation said the 5.8 per cent increase over the 2025 approved budget does not sufficiently address long-standing fiscal and structural challenges. Instead, it noted that the financing plan, size of the deficit, and sectoral priorities pose risks to fiscal sustainability and accountability.

ActionAid Nigeria expressed particular concern over the continued extension of budget implementation timelines, which has resulted in the 2026 budget running alongside extended 2024 and 2025 budgets. According to the organisation, operating multiple budgets simultaneously weakens transparency, limits effective legislative oversight, and increases the risk of mismanagement of public funds, especially for capital and social sector projects.

The group, in a statement on Tuesday by its Country Director, Dr. Andrew Mamedu, also pointed to repeated post-submission changes by the National Assembly, including upward adjustments to allocations without secured funding sources, as a key factor contributing to funding gaps, delayed releases, and the rollover of projects across fiscal years.

On the fiscal outlook, ActionAid Nigeria highlighted that the proposed 2026 budget projects revenue of ₦34.33 trillion against total spending of ₦58.18 trillion, leaving a deficit of ₦23.85 trillion. It described the figure as the largest deficit in Nigeria’s history, representing sharp increases over the 2024 and 2025 deficits.

It warned that heavy reliance on borrowing, without strong investment in productive and social sectors, could deepen inequality and constrain long-term development.

ActionAid Nigeria said that despite government claims that education, health, agriculture, infrastructure, and security are priority areas, lamented that allocations to social sectors remain inadequate.

Mamedu, in the statement, noted that education allocated ₦3.52 trillion, about six per cent of the total budget, and health receiving ₦2.48 trillion, just over four per cent—are both far below international benchmarks, and in contrast with defence allotted spending standing at ₦5.41 trillion.

The organisation also faulted the budget for failing to address underemployment and poor-quality jobs, particularly among women and rural populations, noting insufficient investment in agriculture, rural infrastructure, and women-led enterprises. It further warned that weak funding for social protection programmes could worsen hardship for millions of Nigerians facing rising living costs.

ActionAid Nigeria also criticised the late submission of the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework, Fiscal Strategy Paper, and the 2026 Appropriation Bill, describing it as a breach of the Fiscal Responsibility Act.

The organisation urged the Federal Government and the National Assembly to end the practice of running multiple budgets, strengthen fiscal discipline, reduce dependence on borrowing, and significantly increase funding for education, health, agriculture, and social protection.

It stressed that Nigeria cannot overcome poverty through debt-driven spending, but through a people-centred and accountable budget that prioritises human development.

ActionAid Nigeria Warns of Rising Debt, Weak Social Spending in 2026 Budget Proposal