Kaduna strengthens anti-drug, mental health partnership with UNODC
Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, has reiterated the state’s commitment to deepening collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to address substance abuse, mental health
Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, has reiterated the state’s commitment to deepening collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to address substance abuse, mental health challenges, and insecurity.
The governor made this known during a courtesy visit with the UNODC Country Representative in Nigeria, Cheikh Touré, to strengthen mutual cooperation.
Sani stated that discussions focused on enhancing coordinated responses to the growing intersection of drug abuse, mental health conditions, and security concerns, particularly in the North-West and other affected regions.
He emphasised Kaduna State’s adoption of a public health–centred, evidence-based approach, prioritising prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and reintegration.
The governor also expressed appreciation to Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing an enabling environment that supports reforms in peacebuilding, healthcare delivery, and community security frameworks at the subnational level.
He further acknowledged the UNODC’s sustained partnership, technical support, and global expertise in tackling drug-related and criminal justice issues.
In his remarks, Touré commended Kaduna State for emerging as a benchmark in drug prevention and treatment in Nigeria. He highlighted key initiatives, including the implementation of the Alternatives to Incarceration (ATI) programme and the Child Amplified Protection System, as well as the state’s strong performance in transparency and integrity rankings.
Sani reaffirmed Kaduna’s readiness to expand its partnership with the UNODC, including plans to host a proposed international summit on drug abuse, as part of efforts to promote a safer, healthier, and more inclusive society.
