The global market for illicit drugs, particularly cocaine and cannabis, is expanding rapidly, with new data showing that 316 million people worldwide are now using drugs.
This figure represents a significant increase in global drug consumption and highlights growing public health and security concerns.
The findings were published in the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) World Drug Report 2024, released on Wednesday.
According to the report, drug use around the world has surged by 20% over the last decade, with cannabis and cocaine leading the trend. The UNODC noted that the increase is being driven by population growth, urbanization, rising availability, and changes in social norms, particularly among young people.
In Nigeria, where the population is estimated at over 220 million, cannabis remains the most commonly used illicit substance. However, authorities have also reported rising seizures of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and synthetic opioids. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has frequently raised concerns about the increasing rate of drug abuse, particularly among young Nigerians.
Globally, cannabis continues to be the most widely used drug, with approximately 228 million people estimated to have used it in the past year. Cocaine use has also climbed to record levels, with more than 22 million people reportedly consuming the drug. The UNODC attributes part of this growth to increased production in South America and expanded trafficking networks across Africa, Europe, and North America.
The report highlights West Africa as a growing hub for drug trafficking and consumption. It points to the region’s porous borders, limited enforcement capabilities, and rising demand as key factors contributing to the boom in drug activity. Nigeria, due to its size and strategic location, remains central in both regional and global drug trafficking routes.
Executive Director of the UNODC, Ghada Waly, stated that the growing availability of drugs and rising levels of consumption are putting increased pressure on healthcare systems and law enforcement agencies worldwide. “We are seeing higher drug use among young people, and an alarming increase in the use of potent synthetic drugs,” Waly said.
The report also warns of the rapid growth of synthetic drugs such as methamphetamine and tramadol, which are now widely consumed in many parts of Africa and Asia. These substances, often cheaper and more accessible than traditional narcotics, pose serious health risks due to their potency and the lack of regulation in their production and distribution.
In addition to drug use, the UNODC raised concerns about the health impact, reporting that more than 39 million people globally suffer from drug use disorders, with only a fraction receiving treatment. In Africa, less than one in ten people with drug-related health issues receive any form of medical care. Stigma, lack of resources, and limited awareness were cited as key barriers to treatment.
The report further underscores a gender gap in drug treatment access. Women who use drugs are significantly less likely than men to receive support due to cultural, social, and institutional obstacles. In some regions, especially in conservative societies, female drug users face double discrimination, discouraging them from seeking help.
Another area of concern identified in the report is the evolving nature of drug trafficking. Traffickers are increasingly using digital platforms, cryptocurrencies, and concealed shipping methods to expand their operations. These methods make it harder for law enforcement to detect and disrupt illicit trade.
The UNODC called for a balanced approach to drug policy, urging governments to invest in education, prevention, and health-based strategies alongside law enforcement. It recommended expanding harm reduction services, integrating drug treatment into public healthcare systems, and tackling the root causes of drug abuse such as unemployment, poverty, and social isolation.
In Nigeria, the NDLEA has ramped up enforcement activities in recent years, with thousands of arrests, drug seizures, and prosecutions. However, experts argue that a broader public health strategy is needed to address the root causes of addiction and reduce demand.
The 2024 World Drug Report concludes that unless governments act decisively, the continued growth in drug markets will further burden health systems, fuel crime, and threaten social stability. With the global population rising and drug production becoming more sophisticated, tackling the drug crisis will require coordinated international action, strong political will, and sustained investment in prevention and treatment.
