UNODC names Kaduna national model for drug prevention, treatment
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has designated Kaduna State as Nigeria’s benchmark for drug prevention and treatment.
UNODC cited the state’s sweeping reforms and coordinated response to substance abuse and mental health challenges.
The recognition was conveyed in a letter signed by the UNODC country representative, Cheikh Toure, and addressed to Governor Uba Sani.
Mr Toure commended Kaduna State for what he described as “remarkable strides” in strengthening institutional and community-based interventions.
UNODC stated that the transformation of the former Kaduna Bureau of Substance Abuse, Prevention and Treatment into the Kaduna State Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Agency (KadSAMHSA) represented a major step forward in integrated service delivery.
According to the agency, Kaduna’s unified structure, which consolidates mental health and substance-use interventions under a single coordinating body, aligns with global best practices.
It also stands out as one of the most effective sub-national models in Nigeria.
The UN body also praised the state government for adopting a balanced and holistic approach that combines prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and public education.
It highlighted Kaduna’s multisectoral coordination, community outreach efforts and emphasis on psychosocial support as evidence of forward-looking governance.
UNODC disclosed that several states, including Yobe, Borno, Bayelsa, and Kwara, have sought its guidance to replicate the widely referenced “Kaduna Model,” now regarded as a standard for sustainable and effective drug control interventions in the country.
The agency stated that the growing interest in Kaduna’s approach reinforced the state’s reputation as a national leader in public health reform and social reintegration initiatives.
Reaffirming its partnership, UNODC assured that it would continue to support the state government and KadSAMHSA with technical assistance, capacity building and linkages to national and regional drug control strategies.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Economy
FAAN set to introduce facial ID screening at airports
The agency said the system will enable passengers to verify their identities digitally, reducing reliance on physical identification documents at airports.
Diaspora
Diaspora remittances set to hit $1 billion monthly: CBN Gov
Mr Cardoso said reforms introduced by the apex bank had restored stability in the foreign exchange market and improved investor confidence.
NationWide
10 candidates emerge overall best as FG releases 2026 common entrance results
The 10 candidates scored 202 out of the maximum obtainable 210 marks.
Heading 3
Tinubu inaugurates $3.05 billion anti-poverty, development programmes
He said the programmes formed a single national strategy to translate recent macroeconomic gains into improved livelihoods.
Heading 2
Ex-Rivers governor Rotimi Amaechi loses 89-year-old mother
The family said details of the funeral arrangements would be announced in due course.
NationWide
2027: Appeal Court restores INEC election guidelines
In a judgement delivered on Thursday, a three-member panel of the appellate court barred further implementation of the lower court’s decision challenging the electoral guidelines.
