In a recent development, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has called for aligning evidence gathered on substance use with policy decisions in Africa. This urgent appeal was made during the 33rd meeting of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Committee of Chiefs of Defense Staff, held in Abuja.
According to THISDAYLIVE, the UNODC’s Regional Representative for West and Central Africa, Mr. Naiem Chowdhury, highlighted the growing consumer market for drugs in West Africa, emphasizing that it is no longer just a transit hub.
Mr. Chowdhury stressed the need for evidence-based policymaking, noting that the misalignment between evidence and policy decisions could lead to ineffective interventions and worsening substance abuse issues in the region.
The UNODC representative further called for improved cooperation among African countries in combating substance abuse and trafficking.
This call to action comes as West Africa grapples with rising substance abuse issues, with Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal being among the countries most affected. According to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria alone seized over 120 metric tons of illicit drugs between January and June 2026.
The misalignment between evidence and policy decisions in substance use has been a long-standing issue in Africa, with policy decisions often not being informed by the most current and comprehensive data on substance use. This lack of alignment can lead to ineffective interventions and a worsening of substance abuse problems in the region.
The UNODC’s call for alignment between evidence and policy decisions is a step towards addressing this issue and improving the overall health and well-being of Africans.
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