Drug Abuse in Kano Declines as Economic Hardship Bites Harder
Kano State, known for its high rate of drug abuse among youths, is witnessing a decline in the consumption of illicit substances as economic hardship makes them increasingly unaffordable, Daily Post reports.
Investigations reveal that the rising cost of drugs has forced many addicts to reduce their consumption, with only the wealthy and well-connected able to sustain their habits.
A longtime drug user in Filin-Idi, one of Kano’s major drug hubs, said prices have skyrocketed, making them inaccessible to the average user.
“Some drugs now cost ₦13,000, ₦10,000, or ₦5,000, which is too expensive for most of us. Only the children of the rich and corrupt government officials can afford them,” he said, requesting anonymity.
He identified Masallacin Idi as the most notorious drug-selling location in Kano, where various substances, including pills, marijuana, and sholisho, are readily available. Other key hotspots include Dan’agundi, Kofar Mata, Kofar Na’isa, and Kofar Nassarawa.
He admitted that many users, including himself, turned to drugs due to a lack of productive engagement but noted that the current economic crisis has led to a decline in drug abuse.
People involved in the drug trade confirmed that the high cost of substances has significantly reduced consumption. Kano, once ranked as the state with the highest number of drug users in Nigeria, may be seeing a shift due to worsening economic conditions.
In response to the crisis, the Kano State Government established a committee in July 2024 to tackle drug abuse. Led by Brigadier General Gambo Mai’Adua (retd.), the committee was tasked with addressing drug abuse and related crimes, such as phone snatching.
General Mai’Adua described reports indicating that one in every six people in Kano uses illicit drugs as alarming and called for urgent action.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Kano has also intensified efforts to curb drug abuse.
NDLEA Kano Commander Abubakar Idris Ahmad said officers have conducted raids on drug dens in Dan’agundi and Masallacin Idi. He urged the government to develop abandoned lands to prevent them from becoming criminal hideouts. “The government must urgently decide what to do with the Masallacin Idi land,” he said.
However, some analysts accuse the NDLEA of being lenient on drug dealers, alleging that some officers tip off peddlers about impending raids. While the NDLEA has repeatedly denied these claims, the issue has raised questions about the effectiveness of its operations.
The situation at Masallacin Idi worsened after the Abba Kabir Yusuf administration demolished illegal structures in the area. The site, left in ruins, has since become a haven for drug dealers and a marketplace for illicit substances.
As economic hardship deepens, the decline in drug abuse presents a paradox. However, stakeholders emphasize the need for sustainable solutions, including job creation and rehabilitation programs, to address the root causes of addiction and prevent a resurgence when economic conditions improve.
