UNODC Hails Kaduna as National Benchmark for Drug Prevention, Treatment
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has formally recognized Kaduna State as the national benchmark for drug prevention and treatment, praising the State’s comprehensive and unified approach to tackling substance abuse and mental health challenges.
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In a letter personally signed by the UNODC Country Representative, Mr. Cheikh Toure, and addressed to Governor Uba Sani, the organization lauded Kaduna’s “remarkable strides” in strengthening both institutional and community-based interventions.
“Kaduna Model” Recognized for Global Alignment
UNODC highlighted the State’s groundbreaking transition from the Kaduna Bureau of Substance Abuse, Prevention and Treatment into the fully integrated Kaduna State Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Agency (KadSAMHSA).
According to UNODC, Kaduna’s unified structure—combining mental health and substance-use interventions under one coordinated agency—aligns with global best practice and stands out as one of the most effective subnational models in Nigeria.
The UN agency also disclosed that several states, including Yobe, Borno, Bayelsa, and Kwara, have approached UNODC for guidance on replicating the widely referenced “Kaduna Model,” now regarded as a standard for sustainable and effective drug response across the country.
UNODC reaffirmed its commitment to continuing technical assistance, capacity building, and program linkages to national and regional drug control strategies for Kaduna State.
By PRNigeria
