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Corporate Organisations Must Get Involved in the Fight Against Substance Abuse in Nigeria
By Odunayo Sanya, Executive Director, MTN Foundation
In the shadows of Nigeria’s bustling streets, a silent epidemic rages on, devouring the lives of our youth and shattering the dreams of families. Substance abuse has become a hydra-headed monster, its tentacles spreading everywhere, leaving in its wake a trail of broken lives, shattered hopes, and a nation in peril.
Odunayo Sanya, Executive Secretary, MTN Foundation
The cries of mothers who have lost their children to the grip of addiction, the anguish of fathers who have seen their sons succumb to the allure of drugs, and the despair of communities ravaged by the consequences of substance abuse – these issues echo through the land, a haunting reminder of a crisis that threatens to consume us all.
The statistics are alarming; according to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria has one of the highest drug use prevalence rates in the world, with over fourteen million people using psychoactive substances. It reveals that 14.3% of Nigerians between age 15 to 64 have used drugs at least once in their lifetime. But behind these numbers lies a more poignant reality – a generation lost to the abyss of addiction, their potential, creativity, and innovation sacrificed on the altar of substance abuse. The Nigerian dream, once full of promise and hope, is fast becoming a nightmare, as the scourge of substance abuse threatens to undermine economic growth.
As we grapple with the challenges of nation-building, substance abuse poses a clear and present danger to our collective future. It is a ticking time bomb, waiting to unleash its full fury on our society, our economy, and our very way of life. And yet, we are sleepwalking into this catastrophe, oblivious to the devastation that awaits us. It is time to wake up, to confront this monster head-on, and to reclaim our nation from the grip of substance abuse. The future of Nigeria depends on it.
The consequences of substance abuse are multifaceted. It affects not only the individual but also their families, communities, and the nation at large. Substance abuse affects the mental and physical health of individuals, leading to increased cases of depression, anxiety, and even suicide. It also affects relationships, leading to family breakdowns, and social isolation. The impact on society is equally devastating, affecting productivity, leading to reduced economic output, and increased healthcare costs. Substance abuse is also linked to increased crime rates, violence, and social unrest.
The economic impact of substance abuse cannot be overstated. It affects productivity, leading to reduced economic output, and increased healthcare costs. Substance abuse also affects the workforce, leading to absenteeism, presenteeism, and reduced employee performance. According to a study by the World Health Organisation (WHO), substance abuse costs Nigeria over N100 billion annually.
As we struggle to rebuild our economy and create opportunities for our youth, substance abuse siphons off precious resources and talent. The billions spent on rehabilitation, healthcare, and law enforcement could be invested in education, infrastructure, and innovation. Instead, these resources have been disbursed to mitigate the damage caused by substance abuse. We owe it to ourselves, our children, and future generations to act decisively against this menace.
Corporate organisations in the country have a vital role to play in supporting the fight against substance abuse. One way to do this is through funding. Substance abuse initiatives require significant financial resources to implement effective prevention, treatment, and support programs.
The MTN Foundation, through its Anti-Substance Abuse Program (ASAP), is already making a significant impact in this area. ASAP is a comprehensive program that aims to reduce the prevalence of substance abuse among young people in Nigeria. By providing funding and resources, MTN Foundation is helping to support rehabilitation centres, counselling services, and public awareness campaigns.
There are alternative ways to support the fight against substance abuse, corporate organisations can lend their expertise to awareness and sensitization campaigns and provide in-kind donations. For example, they can provide venues for community events, expertise in areas of marketing and communications, and printing and distribution services. Additionally, corporate organisations can leverage their networks and influence to raise awareness about the dangers of substance abuse and promote initiatives aimed at preventing it.
At an internal level, corporate organisations should implement workplace policies and programs that prevent and address substance abuse. This can include employee assistance programs, drug testing, and substance abuse education and training. By creating a safe and supportive work environment, corporate organisations can help employees struggling with addiction to seek help and overcome their dependence on drugs.
In the United States, companies like CVS Health and Walmart have taken a stand against drug abuse by implementing programs to prevent opioid overdose and misuse. CVS Health, for example, has launched a program to provide naloxone, a medication that reverses opioid overdose, to patients without a prescription. Walmart, on the other hand, has implemented a system to track and prevent suspicious prescriptions, and provides disposal sites for unused medications.
In Europe, companies like IKEA and H&M are supporting the fight against drug abuse by partnering with organisations that provide treatment and support services. IKEA, for example, has partnered with the Swedish organisation, Länkarna, to provide job training and employment opportunities to people recovering from addiction. H&M has partnered with the UK-based organisation, Addaction, to provide funding and resources for treatment and support services.
Other companies, like Google and Facebook, are using their technology and platforms to support the fight against drug abuse. Google, for example, has launched a program to provide accurate and reliable information on substance abuse and treatment options through its search engine. Facebook has launched a program to provide resources and support services to people struggling with addiction, and partners with organisations to provide funding and expertise to support the fight against drug abuse.
Guinness Nigeria launched the ‘Drink Responsibly’ campaign, aimed at promoting responsible drinking habits and reducing the incidence of substance abuse. The company has also partnered with the Nigerian government and other organisations to support initiatives aimed at preventing and treating substance abuse. For example, Guinness Nigeria has provided funding and resources for the establishment of rehabilitation centres and counselling services for those struggling with addiction. These efforts demonstrate the commitment of Nigerian companies to supporting the fight against drug abuse and promoting a healthier and more responsible society.
The government, through the NDLEA, should encourage the private sector to get more involved in this fight. The agency has already shown commitment to this, even in the partnership with MTN Foundation on the ASAP programme. MTN’s involvement has been substantial, including advocacy walks, stakeholder conferences, and the inclusion of white papers. In 2024, the programme reached 87,000 students and trained 1,440 teachers across Nigeria. More such partnerships are essential because this is a collective fight. There is a need to undertake more of such partnerships because it is everyone’s fight .
As we confront the scourge of substance abuse in Nigeria, it is heartening to see corporate organisations stepping up to the plate. By providing funding, resources, and expertise, companies like MTN and Guinness are helping to stem the tide of addiction and despair that threatens to engulf our youth. But this is not just a moral imperative – it is an economic and social one too. For if we fail to act, we risk losing an entire generation to the abyss of substance abuse, with devastating consequences for our families, communities, and nation.
So let us salute these corporate champions and urge others to follow their lead. Together, we can create a Nigeria where our young people are empowered to reach their full potential, free from the shackles of addiction. A Nigeria where families are not torn apart by substance abuse, and communities are not ravaged by its consequences. It is a future worth fighting for, and one that we can achieve if we work together. The time to act is now – let us join forces to create a brighter, healthier future for ourselves, our children, and our nation.
In a significant move towards accelerating the Federal Government’s digital transformation agenda, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, paid a strategic working visit to Galaxy Backbone (GBB) Limited, Nigeria’s foremost ICT infrastructure and shared services provider.
The visit, which took place at GBB’s National Shared Services Centre (NSSC) and Corporate Headquarters in Abuja, forms part of the HCSF’s efforts to deepen collaboration and assess the technological infrastructure supporting the government’s ongoing digitalisation reforms across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
Accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE), Mr. Adeladan Rafi’u Olarinre, and a delegation of Permanent Secretaries and Directors from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service, the visit featured an extensive tour of GBB’s cutting-edge Digital Infrastructure facilities. These included its Network Operations Centre (NOC), Security Operations Centre (SOC), and Uptime Institute Certified Tier III Data Centre; all built to ensure a secure, scalable, and sovereign digital infrastructure for Nigeria’s public sector.
In his welcome address, Mr. Adeladan Rafi’u Olarinre described Galaxy Backbone as a critical institution under the supervision of FMCIDE, tasked with providing the nation’s core digital infrastructure and shared ICT services. “Today’s visit is an important opportunity to showcase the significant progress GBB has made in building the infrastructure necessary for a truly digital government,” he said.
“I believe this engagement will foster stronger alignment and collaboration between MDAs and GBB as we move towards a more connected and efficient public service.”
The Managing Director/CEO of Galaxy Backbone, Professor Ibrahim A. Adeyanju, expressed appreciation for the visit, noting its alignment with GBB’s mandate to support Nigeria’s digital transformation goals.
“A visit of this nature by the Head of the Civil Service is highly symbolic,” he remarked. “It reinforces the central role that the Civil Service plays in national development and highlights the importance of strategic ICT infrastructure in driving effective governance.”
He went on to emphasize that GBB’s mission to design, build, and manage Nigeria’s digital infrastructure aligns seamlessly with the Civil Service’s digital reform agenda.
“Our platforms; including the 1Government Cloud, GovMail, and our extensive fibre optic network present in 28 states, are designed to support a digitally enabled, secure, and efficient government,” Prof. Adeyanju added.
He also called for greater collaboration with the Office of the Head of Service to drive the adoption of GBB’s infrastructure, particularly the fibre optic connectivity already terminated at Federal Secretariat buildings across 28 states of the country. He further appealed for support in expanding Local Area Networks (LANs) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) secretariat buildings to integrate more MDAs into the digital ecosystem.
In her remarks, Mrs. Walson-Jack commended the world-class infrastructure and strategic digital solutions developed by Galaxy Backbone, stating that her perception of the agency had been greatly enhanced following the tour.
“This visit has opened my eyes to the enormous potential and capacity that Galaxy Backbone brings to Nigeria’s digital journey,” she said. “I now see GBB not just as an ICT agency, but as a strategic partner in the realisation of our dream to build a modern, agile, and paperless civil service.”
She specifically praised GBB’s support for the “War Room” initiative, the widespread deployment of GovMail — currently serving over 34,000 civil servants, and the agency’s high-speed fibre connectivity provided during the 2025 International Civil Service Week hosted by her office.
Reaffirming her office’s commitment to achieving a fully paperless civil service by December 31, 2025, the Head of Service expressed optimism that this goal is attainable with stronger collaboration and technical support from GBB.
She also highlighted several strategic areas where partnership with GBB is critical, including:
- Full implementation of the 1Government Cloud to host and manage MDA operations.
- Adoption of an Enterprise Content Management System (ECMS) to streamline records and workflow automation across MDAs.
- Synergy between the 1Government Cloud Academy and the Civil Service Academy to enhance capacity development.
- Training and onboarding of civil servants on innovative tools such as Service-Wise GPT – Nigeria’s AI-powered platform designed to transform public service delivery.
Mr. Mohammed Ibrahim Sani, Executive Director of Finance and Corporate Services at GBB, in his vote of thanks, expressed deep gratitude to the Head of Service and her delegation for taking the time to visit and engage with the team. He reiterated GBB’s unwavering commitment to partnering with all stakeholders to deliver inclusive, resilient, and forward-looking digital solutions for the Federal Government.
News
Festive Seasons Trigger 400% Spike in Livestock Prices Across Nigeria’s North East — Moniepoint Study
A new study by Moniepoint Inc., Africa’s leading financial technology company, has revealed that livestock prices in Nigeria’s North East markets surge by up to 400% during festive seasons, driven by high demand from cities like Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Onitsha.
The report, which focuses on informal market dynamics in Borno State, shows that traders at Kasuwan Shanu in Gamboru dispatch an average of 50 trucks daily during peak periods such as Eid al-Adha and Christmas, with goat prices rising by 400–470% and rams by over 230%.
Beyond seasonal spikes, the study highlights a shift toward investment-minded trading, where livestock is raised in advance to boost resale value. This approach is helping traders build more stable and profitable businesses, despite the region’s history of conflict and economic volatility.
Key findings include:
- 51.2% of traders source goods from Maiduguri, reinforcing its role in Nigeria’s food supply chain
- 45% of traders now accept digital payments, with mobile transfers and POS usage rising sharply since the 2023 cash crunch
- Informal credit and trust-based transactions remain dominant, often conducted via phone calls and voice notes, without formal contracts
Moniepoint CEO Tosin Eniolorunda said the company’s tools are helping bridge long-standing gaps in access to finance: “This shift isn’t just tech-enabled — it’s structurally impactful. We’re helping build an economy where everyone can participate.”
The study joins Moniepoint’s growing portfolio of thought leadership on Nigeria’s informal economy, following previous reports on Onitsha Market, community pharmacies, and women-owned businesses.
Federal Government has expressed optimism that improved management of the national power grid by the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) could increase electricity supply to 8,000 megawatts within the next 12 to 18 months.
Speaking at a leadership retreat to onboard NISO’s top management in Abuja, the Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Mr. Ayodeji Gbeleyi, noted that although Nigeria’s installed generation capacity exceeds 14,000MW, actual daily output has hovered around 5,500MW.
Gbeleyi emphasized that with more efficient grid operations and increased investments in transmission and distribution infrastructure, the power sector is poised for substantial improvement.
“As an independent entity, NISO now carries the critical responsibility of managing the national grid with impartiality and integrity. It must ensure non-discriminatory access, efficient dispatch coordination, and fair market settlements—free from undue influence or conflicts of interest.
“Currently, about 5,500MW of power is being wheeled daily, compared to a nameplate generation capacity of over 14,000MW. With the right investments and enhanced grid resilience, it is realistic to project a 50% increase in supply within 12 to 18 months,” he said.
Gbeleyi also revealed that the Federal Government has secured a $500 million loan from the World Bank to support the upgrade of the distribution infrastructure. Under this initiative, 3.2 million electricity meters will be deployed across Nigeria, with an additional 2 to 3 million meters to be provided through a separate presidential initiative.
Chairman of the NISO Board, Dr. Adesegun Akin-Olugbade, stressed the significance of NISO’s independence following its unbundling from the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).
“NISO is not just a new institution; it represents a new approach—an independent system operator, a neutral market coordinator, and a strategic planning authority. Our responsibilities span real-time grid operations, long-term system planning, and the development of the electricity market.
“These are not peripheral tasks—they are core to national stability. When power fails, everything else suffers: industry, healthcare, education, even security,” he said.
Also speaking, NISO Managing Director/CEO, Engr. Abdu Bello, affirmed that the 8,000MW target is achievable within the projected timeframe.
“We must stay focused, get our internal structures right, and attract private sector investment. This retreat is part of the strategic planning process. With a clear direction and commitment, the goal is within reach,” Bello stated.
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