Abuse of tramadol, codeine by youths in N/West alarming – Uba Sani

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has raised the alarm over the rising abuse of opioid medications, particularly tramadol and codeine, among youths in the North-West geo-political zone. Speaking at a reception organised by the Kaduna branch of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) in honour of its newly elected President, Pharm. Ayuba Ibrahim, and […]

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has raised the alarm over the rising abuse of opioid medications, particularly tramadol and codeine, among youths in the North-West geo-political zone.

Speaking at a reception organised by the Kaduna branch of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) in honour of its newly elected President, Pharm. Ayuba Ibrahim, and Deputy President (North), Pharm. Aisha Isyaku, the governor called for urgent action.

Represented by Joseph O. Ike, Director General of the Kaduna State Bureau for Substance Abuse (KADBUSA), the governor cited the 2018 UNODC survey, which showed that one in seven Nigerians uses drugs – a figure significantly higher in the North-West.

“This has serious public health, security, and developmental implications,” he warned, urging the PSN to lead advocacy efforts to curb drug abuse.

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Governor Sani described pharmacists as vital to the healthcare system, noting their roles in medication management, patient counselling, and public health.

PSN Kaduna Chairman, Pharm. Sunday Ali expressed confidence in the new leadership’s ability to bring about reforms and unity in the profession.

The newly elected PSN President pledged to uplift the profession and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s healthcare goals.