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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
Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Regional Security at MNJTF Meeting in Chad
By: Zagazola Makama
Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to regional cooperation and collective security efforts aimed at combating terrorism, insurgency and transnational crimes across the Lake Chad Basin.
Gen. Christopher Musa, Minister of Defense stated this during the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) meeting held on Tuesday in N’Djamena, Republic of Chad.
Musa, who attended the meeting alongside the joined defence ministers and senior military chiefs from Chad, Cameroon and Benin to review ongoing military operations and strengthen collaborative strategies for regional peace and stability.
According to the CDS, terrorism and insurgency within the Lake Chad region can only be effectively addressed through sustained regional cooperation, intelligence sharing and operational synergy among member states.
“Terrorism, insurgency and transnational threats can only be confronted through regional cooperation, intelligence fusion, synergy and sustained commitment among states,” he said.
He noted that the meeting provided an opportunity for participating countries to assess the progress of ongoing joint military operations under the MNJTF framework and identify areas requiring stronger collaboration.
Musa reaffirmed Nigeria’s resolve to continue supporting collective security initiatives aimed at restoring lasting peace and stability across the region.
“Nigeria remains steadfast in its commitment to collective security and the restoration of lasting peace across the Lake Chad Basin,” he said.
The CDS further stressed the importance of coordinated border security operations, intelligence-driven missions and enhanced military cooperation among member countries in addressing evolving security threats within the region.
The MNJTF, established by countries of the Lake Chad Basin Commission, coordinates multinational military operations against Boko Haram, ISWAP and other transnational criminal networks operating around the Lake Chad region.
Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Regional Security at MNJTF Meeting in Chad
India Moves to Reset Africa Relations After 10-Year Gap, Targets Deeper Nigeria Partnership
By: Michael Mike
The Government of India is seeking to recalibrate its strategic engagement with Africa through the forthcoming 2026 India-Africa Forum Summit, with Nigeria positioned at the centre of New Delhi’s renewed diplomatic, economic and cultural outreach to the continent.
India’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Abhishek Singh, disclosed this in Abuja while briefing journalists ahead of the fourth edition of the India-Africa Forum Summit scheduled to hold on May 31 in New Delhi.
The summit, which is returning after a decade-long break, is expected to bring together African heads of state, ministers, business leaders, investors, diplomats and cultural stakeholders as India seeks to strengthen its influence across Africa amid growing global competition for economic and strategic partnerships on the continent.
“This summit is not merely a diplomatic gathering. It is a platform to deepen political dialogue, security cooperation, trade relations, developmental partnerships, people-to-people exchanges and cultural collaboration between India and Africa,” Singh said.
The envoy noted that the last summit was held in 2015 and argued that both Africa and India had undergone major political and economic changes since then, making the upcoming meeting particularly significant.
According to him, the summit will begin with senior officials’ engagements on May 28, followed by a meeting of foreign ministers on May 29 before the main leaders’ summit on May 31.
He disclosed that President Bola Tinubu has been invited by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the summit.
“We would be truly honoured to have the participation of His Excellency, the President,” Singh stated.
The High Commissioner described Nigeria as a strategic pillar in India’s Africa policy, citing the country’s democratic credentials, economic weight and regional influence.
“Nigeria is Africa’s largest democracy and one of the continent’s biggest economies. We see Nigeria as emblematic of India’s relationship with Africa,” he added.
Beyond diplomatic engagements, India is also using the summit to deepen commercial and cultural ties with African countries.
Singh revealed that business forums, cultural festivals, music and dance events, as well as Track Two diplomatic engagements involving academics and private sector players, would form part of the summit activities.
“One of the major components is economic dialogue. We have invited Nigerian businessmen, industrialists and chambers of commerce to participate and redefine how we engage economically,” he said.
India said bilateral trade between Nigeria and India currently stands at between eight and nine billion dollars annually, although both countries believe there is substantial room for expansion.
According to the envoy, discussions are ongoing on improving market access, reducing trade bottlenecks and unlocking new investment opportunities in sectors such as technology, manufacturing, digital infrastructure and education.
Singh also highlighted India’s growing interest in Nigeria’s creative and entertainment industries, particularly the rising global influence of Afrobeats music.
“The Afrobeats are becoming increasingly popular in India and names like Wizkid and Davido are not just famous in Nigeria but globally recognised and increasingly popular in India,” he said.
He further stressed India’s readiness to expand collaboration with Nigeria in information and communications technology, noting that India’s global strength in ICT and digital innovation presents major opportunities for partnership with African economies.
Analysts say the renewed India-Africa engagement reflects New Delhi’s broader geopolitical strategy to strengthen economic alliances, secure new markets and deepen influence in Africa amid intensifying competition from China, the United States, Europe and Gulf countries for strategic partnerships across the continent.
For Nigeria, the summit is expected to open fresh opportunities for trade expansion, investment inflows, educational cooperation, technology transfer and cultural exchange at a time the country is seeking stronger international economic partnerships to support growth and diversification.
India Moves to Reset Africa Relations After 10-Year Gap, Targets Deeper Nigeria Partnership
Navy supports Adamawa community with classrooms, toilets
Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, the Chief of Naval Staff on Thursday inaugurated six blocks of renovated classrooms and newly constructed toilets at Central Primary School, Mayo-Belwa Local Government, Adamawa State.
Abbas, who was represented by the Rear Admiral Raheem Taofeek, said the project was a special intervention scheme and cooperate social responsibility of the Nigeria Navy to give back to the community.
According to him, the project is being executed by the Rear Adm. Abdulhamid Baba-Inna, the Navy Secretary in his hometown in line with the vision of President Bola Tinubu.
He encouraged the beneficiaries to use the facilities responsibly for maximum benefit.
In his remarks, Baba-Inna, said the project was to improve the learning environment to be conducive for the pupils and teachers.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, this project aligns squarely with the Nigeria Navy’s Civil-Military Cooperation and Relations framework.
“We recognise that our effectiveness is not measured solely by operational successes at sea or on the battlefield but also by the strength of our relationship with the people we serve.
“Projects such as this are deliberate efforts to build trust, foster goodwill and strengthen the bond between the military and civil society”, he said.
According to him, the classes and offices were provided with tables and chairs as well as the solar power light to enhance safety and security in the school.
Baba-Inna urged the pupils and teachers to take ownership of the project for maximum benefit.
In his remarks, Mr Adiyal Kurdah, Member I, Adamawa State Universal Basic Education Board (ADSUBEB), expressed gratitude to the Nigeria Navy for such a project.
He said the project would significantly improve enrollment, retention and quality education in the area.
Alhaji Ardo Bamanga, District Head of Mayo-Belwa, described the project as a good legacy that would help to shape the character of children to be responsible citizens in future.
The event featured presentation of learning materials to pupils, tree planting, cultural displays and awards presentations.
Navy supports Adamawa community with classrooms, toilets
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