From Punishment to Protection: Advocates push for rights of people who use drugs

For many Nigerians who use drugs, a trip to the hospital can end in handcuffs, not treatment. Complaints to the police are often met with suspicion. And in their communities, stigma can be as harsh as the law itself.

But in early August, a different story unfolded in Abuja. For three days, civil society leaders, human rights experts, and drug policy advocates gathered at Corinthia Villa Hotel to explore how Nigeria can better protect the rights of people who use drugs.

The workshop, held from August 7 to 9 with support from the African Network of People Who Use Drugs (AfricaNPUD), focused on reshaping how human rights violations are reported and addressed within the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

Discussions were far from abstract. Participants identified the everyday violations that drug users face — unlawful arrests, denial of healthcare, and social exclusion — and asked how these could be tracked, documented, and acted upon. Group sessions tested interview guides, mapped indicators of abuse, and debated decriminalization, a subject rarely addressed so openly in Nigeria.

Hilary Ogbonna, a senior legal advisor with the NHRC, used his presentation to highlight concerns about the frequent violations of the rights of people who use drugs. Meanwhile, Ahmed Said of AfricaNPUD made a striking point: “Decriminalization is cheaper than criminalization.”

Others in the room also shared their appreciation for the effort. “I commend the NHRC and DHRAN for setting up such a workshop to strengthen reporting mechanisms for people who use drugs in Nigeria,” said participant Rupert Irikefi.

“The voices of people who use drugs must be part of policy and advocacy. Without them, we cannot have fair systems,” added David Olofu, DHRAN Program Officer, who facilitated many of the sessions.

The NHRC provided technical expertise, while AfricaNPUD ensured that community voices were not just present but central to the conversation. The mix of legal know-how, scientific insight, and lived experience gave the event a rare sense of urgency and possibility.

Observers say the workshop is more than just a training session. It represents a quiet but significant shift in Nigeria’s approach to drug policy: from criminalization to accountability, from punishment to rights.

As the debate over drug laws continues, the message from Abuja was clear. People who use drugs are not criminals to be discarded. They are citizens whose dignity and rights deserve protection.