The Federal Government (FG) has stepped forward to take a more direct role in tackling drug abuse, with Vice President Kashim Shettima confirming that the administration will lead the upcoming National Substance Use Survey.
The project, a joint effort between the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the MTN Nigeria Foundation, formally got underway with the signing of a Letter of Acceptance at the Presidential Villa.
Speaking at the event, Shettima made it clear the survey goes beyond routine data collection, describing it as critical to addressing a growing national concern.
Shettima stressed that the Presidency would not simply endorse the initiative from the sidelines.
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Instead, it would play a hands-on role to ensure the findings translate into real-world solutions.
To back this up, he announced the creation of a dedicated Project Management Office (PMO) within his office.
The unit will coordinate the entire process — from designing survey tools to managing fieldwork and aligning government agencies.
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He noted that the government’s priority is clear: the results must drive policy, not gather dust in reports. A firm deadline has been set, with the final report expected by the first quarter of 2027.
What sets this survey apart is its focus on local realities.
Data
By collecting data at local government level, the initiative aims to move beyond general assumptions and provide insights that reflect the unique challenges faced by different communities.
The goal is simple — equip policymakers with the kind of detailed evidence needed to design targeted, effective interventions.
At the event, key partners explained why the initiative is significant.
Odunayo Sanya, Executive Director of the MTN Nigeria Foundation, said the organisation’s involvement is rooted in its commitment to protecting young Nigerians, noting that the survey supports its ongoing youth-focused programmes across the country.
Similarly, Cheikh Ousmane Toure, Country Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), described the collaboration as a clear signal of the government’s determination to tackle drug-related challenges directly.
He also acknowledged the broader policy direction under President Bola Tinubu.
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The event brought together senior officials, including the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, alongside representatives from the foundation’s board.
More broadly, the partnership reflects a shift towards closer collaboration between government, private sector players, and international organisations.
