The Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has raised fresh concerns over the rising incidence of drug abuse among young people, warning that the trend poses a growing threat to public health, security, and the future of the state's youth population.

The warning came on Tuesday in Ilorin, the state capital, at the Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP) Stakeholders Conference organised by the MTN Foundation to mark the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

The event brought together key stakeholders, including the Kwara State Government, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the MTN Foundation, all of whom called for stronger collaboration to curb substance abuse across communities.

Delivering the keynote address, AbdulRazaq described drug abuse as a multi-dimensional challenge affecting health systems, social stability, and economic productivity.

He stated, "Drug abuse is not merely a law enforcement issue; it is a public health concern, a developmental challenge, and a threat to the future of our youths."

He warned that evolving drug trafficking networks and increased access to synthetic substances were making young people more vulnerable, urging innovative and coordinated interventions.

"It undermines educational attainment, destroys families, fuels criminal activities, affects productivity, and places significant strain on healthcare and social welfare systems," he added.

AbdulRazaq disclosed that the state government had adopted a multi-pronged response strategy covering prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and enforcement.

He announced, "One of the landmark initiatives of our government is the introduction of mandatory drug testing for students in tertiary institutions across Kwara State."

He explained that the policy was designed to ensure early detection and timely intervention rather than punishment or stigma.

"This policy is not intended to stigmatise or punish young people. Rather, it is a proactive measure aimed at early detection, timely intervention, and the provision of appropriate support services," he said.

The governor also announced progress on a specialised rehabilitation facility aimed at addressing substance use disorders across the region.

He stated, "When completed, the centre will serve not only the people of Kwara State but also provide specialised treatment and rehabilitation services to residents of other North Central states and neighbouring South-West states."

Speaking on behalf of the First Lady, Olufolake AbdulRazaq, the State Commissioner for Social Development, Mariam Nna-Fatima, stressed that drug abuse remains a direct threat to youth productivity and wellbeing.

"This challenge cannot be left to the government alone. Parents, schools, religious institutions, community leaders, development partners, and the private sector all have important roles to play in prevention, early intervention, treatment, rehabilitation, and recovery," she said.

She urged stakeholders to shift from advocacy to concrete action in addressing the menace. "Together, let us move from awareness to action because every child saved from drug abuse is a future secured for Kwara State and Nigeria," she added.

The MTN Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to youth-focused intervention programmes through its Anti-Substance Abuse Programme, launched in 2019.

The Chairman of the MTN Foundation, Dr. Mosun Belo-Olusoga, represented by the Senior Lead, Sales and Trade Development, Valentina Obayemi, said the foundation remained committed to safeguarding the future of young Nigerians through sustained anti-drug campaigns.

"Every day in Nigeria, a young person takes a risk they may not fully understand. It may begin with curiosity, peer pressure, or even pain. But too often, it ends with consequences that affect families, communities, and futures," she said.

Obayemi noted that the programme is expanding its reach across schools and institutions nationwide. "This year, we are taking our message directly to 50 public secondary schools across 10 states and the FCT, reaching more than 20,000 students at a critical stage in their lives where the right information can shape their future," she added.

The Commander of the NDLEA in Kwara State, Fatima Popoola, said the state's location makes it particularly vulnerable to drug trafficking routes.

"Kwara State is at a very strategic location, and a lot of drug activities transiting from the South to the North have a spillover effect on the state. We should rise up against the inflow of illicit drugs into our communities," she said.

She also linked drug abuse to rising insecurity, citing recent violent incidents in Ilorin.

"We are calling on parents and community leaders to join hands with us in the fight against drug abuse. Our youths are energetic and impulsive. If that energy is not properly channelled, it can lead to destructive outcomes," she added.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Lawal Olohungbebe, called for stronger community responsibility in tackling substance abuse.

"Looking at this, it takes a community to break a habit. But it takes one person to bring a bad habit into society. Everyone has a responsibility to contribute positively to the development of society," he said.

Drug abuse has remained a major public health and security concern in Nigeria, particularly among young people.

The NDLEA has repeatedly warned that the increasing availability of illicit substances and the abuse of prescription drugs are fuelling crime, violence, mental health challenges, and school dropouts in many communities.