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)