UNODC World Drug Report 2025: Global Instability Fuels Drug Problem
Oru Leonard
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), has released its World Drug Report 2025, highlighting the growing challenges posed by the global drug problem. According to the report, 316 million people used drugs in 2023, representing 6% of the global population aged 15-64.
According UNODC, in global drug use, Cannabis remains the most widely used drug, with 244 million users, followed by opioids (61 million), amphetamines (30.7 million), cocaine (25 million), and ecstasy (21 million).
In the Cocaine Market, production, seizures, and use of cocaine have reached record highs, with global cocaine seizures increasing by 68% between 2019-2023.
In addition the synthetic drug market continues to expand globally, dominated by amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) like methamphetamine and amphetamine.
The reports also notes that illicit drug trade generates hundreds of billions of dollars annually, with criminal groups innovating to boost production and distribution.
Nigeria’s national drug use prevalence stands at 14.4% , nearly three times the global average, with over 3 million people suffering from drug use disorders.
The HIV prevalence among people who inject drugs is alarmingly high at 9.2%, with limited access to evidence-based treatment services.
Only a small percentage of individuals with drug use disorders receive treatment, highlighting the need for cost-effective interventions based on public health principles.
UNODC Executive Director Ghada Waly emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to address the root causes of the drug trade and strengthen responses through technology, cross-border cooperation, and judicial action.
Dr Cheikh Ousmane Toure, UNODC Country Representative in Nigeria, notes that the issue is not just a health crisis but also a development, security, and peacebuilding concern.
For more details go to: https://www.unodc.org/conig/en/stories/unodc-world-drug-report-2025_-global-instability-compounding-social–economic-and-security-costs-of-the-world-drug-problem.html
Cover Photo Caption: Dr Cheikh Ousmane Touré
