The Nexus of Drug Use and Substance Abuse: Implications for National Security and Development in Southwest, Nigeria

Abstract

Drug abuse and substance abuse is becoming a major issue in Nigeria, which is a serious threat to the national security and development. Recent studies indicate that over 14% of Nigerian youths between the age of 15 and 34 years have experienced illicit drugs, and a majority of violent and property offences in urban centres are associated with substance abuse. Comparatively, other countries face similar but lower prevalence: United States (10.2%), United Kingdom (9.4%), South Africa (12%), Brazil (11.5%), India (8.9%), Russia (11.8%), Canada (9.7%), and Australia (10.1%). Hence, this study was limited to Lagos and Ogun States due to their high population density, concentration of the urban youth, and high crime reports due to substance abuse. The respondents comprised police officers, social workers, staffs of rehabilitation centres and recovered drug users. These groups presented both enforcement and social aspects of drug abuse. The study used Strain Theory and Social Learning Theory to explain the impact and the study adopted a qualitative method with an exploratory research design. The population comprised professionals and affected individuals involved in substance abuse management in Lagos and Ogun States, from which 23 in-depth interviews were conducted to gain detailed insights into personal experiences, enforcement challenges, and policy gaps. Thematic analysis was performed manually, which made it possible to identify the main patterns and themes connected to causes, consequences, and institutional responses to drug use. The results showed that the major causes of substance abuse are peer influence, unemployment, social inequality, and poor rehabilitation programmes. The key implications of drug use and substance abuse include increase crime, weaken workforce productivity, which ultimately create social instability, and threaten national security. They also strain health and security systems, slowing economic and developmental progress in Southwest Nigeria. The study recommended that enhancing the youth engagement programmes, increase rehabilitation facilities, enhanced inter-agency cooperation, and implementing stricter anti-drug policies.