Stories from UNODC Nigeria

Striking a balance between fair and inclusive health system and criminal justice response

Since 1988, the international community observes 26 June as the international Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking as an expression of its determination to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse.

Supported each year by Government, international organizations, communities, schools, civil society, all over the world, this global observance aims to raise awareness of the major problem that illicit drugs represent to society. Especially, as the world drug epidemic continues to pose a serious threat to public health, the safety and well-being of humanity, in particular young people, and the national security and sovereignty of States. It also undermines socio-economic and political stability and sustainable development.[Read More]

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Promoting education to prevent crime, drug use, and violent extremism in Nigeria

Abuja, 18 June 2019 - In a 2018 interview, Onyinye Ough, Executive Director of Step Up Nigeria, an NGO promoting good governance in Nigeria declared: "I've been seeing how corruption has become a bit more culturally acceptable…Social norms are one of the things that drives corruption. So, I thought, 'why not start with young people to shift these norms, to say this is actually corrupt behaviour that can harm?'"

Already in 2015, the international community identified education as a crucial tool in preventing crime, drug use and violent extremism among youth.  It is in this spirit that the Federal Ministry of Education and UNODC launch the Education for Justice (E4J) Initiative in Nigeria.[Read More]

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From Sea to Land: Tackling Maritime Crime in the Gulf of Guinea

The Gulf of Guinea has experienced an escalation of piracy, kidnapping and armed robbery at sea incidents in recent years. A  2018  report stated that attacks in the region more than doubled in 2018, accounting for all six hijackings worldwide, 13 of the 18 ships fired upon, 130 of the 141 hostages taken globally, and 78 of 83 seafarers kidnapped for ransom.[Read More]

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