United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has declared Kaduna State the national benchmark for drug prevention and treatment, applauding the State’s sweeping reforms and innovative approach to addressing substance abuse and mental health.
In a letter signed by the UNODC Country Representative, Mr. Cheikh Toure, and addressed to Governor Uba Sani, the organisation commended Kaduna for what it described as “remarkable strides” in strengthening institutional and community-led responses to drug abuse.
UNODC particularly celebrated the State’s transition from the Kaduna Bureau of Substance Abuse, Prevention and Treatment into the more robust Kaduna State Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Agency (KadSAMHSA).
It said the integrated structure — combining mental health and substance-use treatment under a single agency — reflects global best practice.
According to the letter, Kaduna’s holistic model has emerged as one of the most effective subnational frameworks in Nigeria, placing equal emphasis on prevention, rehabilitation, treatment, psychosocial support, and public education. This comprehensive approach, it noted, demonstrates visionary governance and a strong commitment to public health reform.
The UN agency also revealed that several states including Yobe, Borno, Bayelsa and Kwara have requested guidance on how to replicate the “Kaduna Model,” which has now become a reference point for sustainable and impactful drug control strategies nationwide.
This rising interest, UNODC stated, further cements Kaduna’s reputation as a national leader in evidence-based drug response and social reintegration efforts.
While praising Kaduna’s achievements, the agency reaffirmed its readiness to continue supporting the State with technical expertise, capacity strengthening and programme linkages to national and regional drug control initiatives.
It pledged to deepen its collaboration with KadSAMHSA as Kaduna continues to advance innovative solutions to drug abuse and mental health challenges.
