Today, 29th May 2025, the Chairman of National Population Commission (NPC), Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra, participated in the National Steering Committee meeting focused on Drug Surveys at the United Nations House in Abuja. 

The meeting aimed to provide updates on the methodologies, data collection strategies, and monitoring tools that will be used in the upcoming surveys designed to assess drug use and HIV/AIDS prevalence, as well as the availability of healthcare services in Nigeria’s custodial centers.

In his address, NPC Chairman, Hon. Kwarra highlighted the NPC's expertise and commitment in data collection and analysis. He expressed confidence that the Commission would effectively lead efforts to generate reliable data in the upcoming surveys essential for evidence-based planning and policymaking in Nigeria.

The Drug Surveys are conducted with support from the UNODC - United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and The Global Fund. These surveys are critical for understanding the current landscape of drug use and health services in Nigeria.

The meeting also featured contributions from key stakeholders, including Mr. Oliver Mezue, NPC Director of Planning and Research, and representatives from the Federal Ministry of Health, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Nigerian Correctional Services (NCoS), the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), and the Centre for Research and Information on Substance Abuse (CRISA).

This collaborative effort underscores the commitment to addressing drug-related issues and improving public health outcomes in Nigeria.