The Burden of Drug Abuse in Nigeria: A Scoping Review of Epidemiological Studies and Drug Laws

Background: We aim to conduct a scoping review of the literature to summarise findings of epidemiological studies on drug abuse and drug laws in Nigeria. Methods: We undertook a systematic search of the literature on PubMed to identify information on drug abuse and drug laws in Nigeria from the inception of the database to March 2020. Results: We reviewed 23 eligible studies. A prevalence of 40% and 20.9% of drug abuse was reported among students and youths, respectively. Commonly abused drugs include cannabis, cocaine, amphetamine, heroin, diazepam, codeine, cough syrup and tramadol. Sources were pharmacies/patent medicine shops, open drug markets, drug hawkers and fellow drug abuserss. Drug abuse was common among students, youths, commercial bus drivers, and sex workers. Poor socioeconomic factors and low educational background were the common risk factors. We identified several drug laws and policies to regulate drugs in Nigeria Conclusion: The burden of drug abuse is still high in Nigeria despite the existing drug laws, policies, and strategies for prevention. Preventive measures should target the youths, students, sources of the drugs, and the associated risk factors.