National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has raised concerns about a new trend among youths, using nail polish and methylated spirit to get high.
Gatekeepers News reports that the agency revealed that this is due to the rising costs of conventional narcotic substances like tramadol, codeine syrup, and cannabis.
NDLEA Ogun State Commander, Tijjani Rabe disclosed this while receiving members of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) at the command’s headquarters in Abeokuta.
The commander who was represented by Deputy state commander, Ekundayo Williams, expressed concern over the growing menace, highlighting its impact on the families of victims, society, and Nigeria at large.
He said, “Despite several sensitization and advocacy efforts, the agency is witnessing an increase in substance abuse on a yearly basis.”
Referring to a survey conducted in 2018, Rabe said, “The survey revealed that 14.3 million Nigerians aged between 15 and 64 had used one substance or another in the previous year, showing a 5.6 percent increase compared to 2016.”
The commander also noted that twenty percent of these 14.3 million individuals suffer from drug disorders.
He emphasised the alarming rate at which youth use household items like nail polish and methylated spirit are being used as substitutes for more expensive, conventional drugs.
According to Rabe one in five drug abusers injects substances using needles and syringes, which heightens risk of spreading blood-borne diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis B.
NDLEA commander further revealed that South-West region of Nigeria has highest rate of drug issues, with Ogun State being particularly affected due to its large number of tertiary institutions, which attract young people from diverse backgrounds.
Rabe noted that agency, in collaboration with other organizations and stakeholders, has intensified sensitization and advocacy efforts in schools, places of worship, markets, parks, and rural communities.
