From Hosea Parah
Governor Uba Sani has reaffirmed the commitment of Kaduna State to strengthening efforts aimed at combating substance abuse, improving mental healthcare, and addressing insecurity through strategic partnerships and evidence-based policies.
The governor made this known on Wednesday while receiving the Country Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Mr. Cheikh Touré, during a courtesy visit in Kaduna.
The meeting focused on collaborative responses to the growing challenges of drug abuse and mental health disorders, particularly in the North-West and other vulnerable parts of Nigeria.
Speaking during the engagement, Governor Sani said the Kaduna State Government remains committed to adopting a public health-centred and evidence-based approach that prioritises prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and the social reintegration of persons affected by substance abuse and mental health conditions.
He also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating what he described as an enabling national environment that supports reforms in peacebuilding, healthcare delivery, and community security systems across states.
The governor further commended the UNODC for its continued technical support and partnership in advancing programmes aimed at strengthening public health and security outcomes.
In his remarks, Touré praised Kaduna State for emerging as a national reference point in drug prevention and treatment programmes. According to him, the state has enacted one of Nigeria’s most effective mental health laws and remains the first jurisdiction in Sub-Saharan Africa to implement the Alternatives to Incarceration (ATI) programme.
He added that Kaduna was also the first state in Nigeria to adopt the Child Amplified Protection System and currently tops the 2025 Transparency and Integrity Index for the second consecutive year.
Touré attributed the achievements to the state government’s strong political commitment and institutional reforms geared toward addressing social challenges through sustainable and inclusive policies.
Governor Sani reiterated Kaduna State’s readiness to deepen cooperation with the UNODC, including ongoing considerations for hosting a proposed International Summit on Drug Abuse in Kaduna.
He noted that the proposed summit forms part of broader efforts to build a safer, healthier, and more inclusive society anchored on sustainable development and community-driven initiatives.