Governor Sanwo-Olu Raises Alarm Over Rising Substance Abuse in Lagos and Nationwide

In a strong call to action, the Lagos State Government has expressed deep alarm over the worsening state of drug and substance abuse not only within the state but across Nigeria. This growing epidemic has prompted a renewed push for immediate and coordinated intervention.

The Executive Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, made this urgent plea while addressing attendees at the Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP) Advocacy Stakeholders Conference. The high-profile event was organized by MTN Nigeria and held at the company’s headquarters located in Falomo, Lagos.

During the event, the governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, described the crisis of drug abuse as a “malignant cancer” that is slowly eroding the very fabric of Nigerian society and jeopardizing the future of the nation.

“It is deeply troubling to observe the increasing penetration of drug abuse among our youth, a menace now reaching even our most vulnerable—our children,” stated Salu-Hundeyin.

She emphasized the gravity of the situation by stressing that young people are the foundation and energy of Nigeria’s future, questioning how any nation can advance when its next generation is battling the destructive grip of addiction.

“Our youth are meant to be the pillars of a thriving nation. But how can any country prosper if the minds and ambitions of its young are being destroyed by the scourge of substance dependency?” she asked.

Lagos Government’s Multi-Level Strategy Against Drug Abuse

Barrister Salu-Hundeyin outlined that the Lagos State Government is not taking the threat lightly. A comprehensive strategy is being rolled out, featuring multiple pillars designed to combat the crisis from all angles.

Some key initiatives include:

• Creation of a Specialized Mental Health Institute to provide professional support for individuals dealing with addiction.
• 24/7 Mental Health Support Helpline accessible to residents in crisis situations.
• Strengthened collaboration with regulatory authorities to ensure tighter control and policy enforcement regarding substance abuse.

She noted that prevention is the cornerstone of Lagos State’s response.

“We are placing a strong emphasis on proactive and preventive strategies in our approach to combating drug abuse,” she said.

Through the Lagos State Well-Being Programme, the government has introduced several proactive efforts, such as:

• Expanded School Counseling Services across public institutions.
• Community empowerment, equipping both religious and educational institutions with early detection tools.
• Heightened mental health education and awareness to prevent abuse before it takes root.

These multi-dimensional steps, she affirmed, are all part of a broader commitment to safeguarding the state’s youth and future.

Commendation for MTN Nigeria’s ASAP Initiative

Salu-Hundeyin commended MTN Nigeria for stepping up to its corporate social responsibility through the launch and support of the ASAP initiative. She highlighted the programme’s focus on youth engagement, educator training, and consistent advocacy as a model for meaningful private sector involvement in social development.

“MTN’s initiative demonstrates how a corporate entity can go beyond business goals to make a lasting impact on society,” she remarked.

The Lagos State Government continues to encourage more private-public partnerships in the fight against drug abuse, especially in efforts targeting prevention, education, and rehabilitation.