In a proactive move to address the rising menace of drug abuse among Nigeria’s youth, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has unveiled its “Catch Them Young” initiative. This programme, specifically targeting secondary schools, is designed to educate and sensitize students about the dangers of substance abuse while promoting healthy lifestyles from an early age.
The initiative comes in response to growing concerns over the increasing prevalence of drug misuse and addiction among young people in Nigeria. NAFDAC, known for its regulatory role in ensuring the safety and efficacy of drugs, sees the programme as a vital step in safeguarding the nation’s future by preventing youths from falling into the destructive trap of drug abuse.
NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, revealed that the “Catch Them Young” programme will include workshops, seminars, and interactive sessions with students. Trained facilitators and experts in drug abuse prevention will visit schools across the country to raise awareness on the health, social, and legal consequences of drug misuse. The initiative also plans to involve parents, teachers, and community leaders in reinforcing the message of prevention.
“The youth are our future, and it is crucial that we provide them with the right information and tools to make informed choices. By starting early in secondary schools, we hope to instill in them a sense of responsibility and awareness that will help them resist the temptations of drug abuse,” Prof. Adeyeye said during the official launch of the programme.
NAFDAC’s “Catch Them Young” programme is being implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and other relevant stakeholders. This united effort aims to tackle drug abuse from multiple fronts—education, regulation, and enforcement.
The initiative will also provide schools with educational materials, including pamphlets and videos that highlight the dangers of common drugs such as codeine, tramadol, and cannabis, which have been identified as frequently abused substances among teenagers in Nigeria. In addition, NAFDAC plans to introduce drug testing initiatives in schools as a preventive measure.
The programme has already been launched in key states, including Lagos, Abuja, and Kano, with plans to extend its reach to all parts of the country. NAFDAC hopes that by involving students early in their academic journey, the initiative will serve as a deterrent against the peer pressure that often leads to drug experimentation.
During the unveiling event, Prof. Adeyeye expressed optimism that the “Catch Them Young” programme would significantly curb the rising tide of drug abuse, which has been linked to other societal problems such as increased crime rates, mental health disorders, and school dropouts.
The initiative also aims to promote a culture of open dialogue about drug abuse, encouraging students to speak up if they are struggling or know someone who might be. By creating safe spaces for discussion, NAFDAC hopes to reduce the stigma associated with addiction and encourage young people to seek help when needed.
Stakeholders have praised NAFDAC for its foresight in launching the programme, noting that early intervention is key to preventing long-term consequences. “If we are able to catch them at this young age, we can significantly reduce the cases of drug abuse in the future,” one education official stated.
As the programme rolls out, NAFDAC will continue to monitor its progress and make adjustments as necessary to ensure its success. The agency is calling on all Nigerians to support this initiative and help build a drug-free society, beginning with the nation’s youth.
This bold step is expected to yield significant results in the fight against drug abuse, shaping a generation of well-informed and responsible citizens who can lead Nigeria towards a brighter future.