According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), drug trafficking is a serious problem in Nigeria. The office said that “Nigeria is a transit point for heroin and cocaine intended for European, East Asian, and North American markets.”

“The country has a relatively high rate of drug abuse due to the continued availability of illicitly manufactured and diverted pharmaceutical products containing narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.” The most abused drug in West Africa is cannabis, mainly in its herbal form. “Cannabis is locally produced all over the region and is therefore affordable.”

“Nigeria has one of the highest rates of drug trafficking in the world. The agency estimates that around 15% of drug seizures worldwide occur in West Africa, a significant proportion of which is transported through Nigeria. Furthermore, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) estimates that the country loses around $7 billion each year to drug trafficking.”

According to a report by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria seizes an average of 36,000 kg of narcotics every year. In 2020, the agency recorded a significant increase in drug trafficking, seizing over 33 tons of illicit drugs.

Drug trafficking has several negative impacts on Nigeria. It is a driver of organized crime and violence, with armed groups using drug trafficking as a means to finance their activities. It has also contributed to the rise of drug abuse and addiction, particularly among young people.

UNODC’s World Drug Report 2021 estimates that the value of the drug market in Nigeria is around $14 billion. 

Being the major producer of cannabis, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) stated that the cultivation of cannabis in Nigeria is increasing. In 2020, the agency seized over 8,000 metric tons of cannabis in Nigeria.

The corruption in Nigeria also contributes to drug trafficking. The 2022 Corruption Perceptions Index ranked Nigeria 150 out of 180 countries, indicating high levels of corruption in the country. 

Poverty is another factor that contributes to drug trafficking in Nigeria. In 2022, the World Bank reported that four (4) out of every ten (10) Nigerians were living below the poverty line. 

Nigeria’s Efforts to Combat Drug Trafficking So Far  

The urgency and significance of drug trafficking as a national problem have led the country to take several steps toward curtailing the menace. 

The first step Nigeria took was to establish a primary agency responsible for combating drug trafficking in Nigeria.  The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) was established in 1989.  

Nigeria has signed several international treaties and conventions aimed at combating drug trafficking, including the United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances.

 Nigeria has laws that criminalize drug trafficking and abuse. The NDLEA Act, for example, stipulates severe punishment for drug trafficking and other drug-related offenses. The Nigerian government has provided support to law enforcement agencies to enhance their capacity to combat drug trafficking. This includes the provision of equipment and training to the NDLEA and other law enforcement agencies.

The Nigerian government has also launched public awareness campaigns aimed at educating citizens about the dangers of drug trafficking and abuse.

Nigeria has collaborated with other countries and international organizations in the fight against drug trafficking. For example, Nigeria works with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to combat drug trafficking.

While Nigeria has taken steps to address drug trafficking, the problem remains significant, and more needs to be done to quell the trade. 

The Role of Nanotechnology in Combating Drug Trafficking

Nanotechnology involves the use of tiny particles, called nanoparticles, to detect, diagnose, or treat diseases. It has several advantages over traditional detection methods, including its high sensitivity, selectivity, and accuracy.

In drug trafficking, nanotechnology is used to detect and identify drugs that are hidden in cargo or luggage. One example of this is the use of nanosensors, which are capable of detecting very small amounts of drugs. These nanosensors can be incorporated into a variety of materials, such as clothing or baggage scanners, to detect drugs quickly and accurately.

Another example is the use of nanocarriers, which are microscopic particles that can transport drugs across the blood-brain barrier. This is particularly useful in combating drug addiction, as drugs can be delivered to the brain to block the effects of addictive substances.

Nigeria’s Journey to Nanotechnology So far

Nigeria has made significant progress in using nanotechnology to combat drug trafficking. In 2019, the NDLEA partnered with a Nigerian tech company, Kwara State University (KWASU), to develop a nanotechnology-based detector for drugs. The detector, called “KWASU-Nano Scanners,” uses nanosensors to detect drugs in luggage and cargo.

Although there is scanty information about this innovation in the public domain, it is reported that, in 2020, the scanner detected over 27 kg of cocaine worth over $2 million at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.

While this particular innovation is laudable, it is imperative to know that Nigeria’s performance is below expectations. 

Can nanotechnology improve Nigeria’s fight against drug trafficking?

Statistics suggest that nanotechnology has significant potential for combating drug trafficking in Nigeria. 

Nanotechnology-based sensors can improve drug detection, while targeted drug delivery can improve drug efficacy and reduce side effects. 

Nanotechnology can also be used to improve border control methods. 

With growing interest in nanotechnology research in Nigeria, there is significant potential for the development and implementation of nanotechnology-based solutions to combat drug trafficking in the country. The country should look into more innovations in nanotechnology. 

Challenges Nigeria is Facing in developing nanotechnologies

The Nigerian government faces several challenges in developing nanotechnologies to combat drug trafficking.  

One of the significant challenges facing the Nigerian government is funding for research and development in nanotechnology. The high cost of equipment and materials needed for research is a major impediment, and the government has limited resources to allocate toward the development of nanotechnology.

 The development of nanotechnology requires advanced laboratory facilities and infrastructure. Nigeria has limited infrastructure for research and development of nanotechnology, and this makes it challenging to develop and test new technologies.

 The development of nanotechnology requires skilled personnel with specialized knowledge in the field. However, there is a shortage of skilled personnel in Nigeria, and this makes it difficult to develop and implement new technologies.

 Collaboration between different government agencies and research institutions is crucial for the development of nanotechnology. However, there is limited collaboration between government agencies, and this makes it challenging to develop and implement new technologies.

 Developing and implementing nanotechnology requires a clear regulatory framework. However, Nigeria lacks a clear regulatory framework for the development and use of nanotechnology.

There is limited public awareness of nanotechnology in Nigeria. This makes it challenging to get public buy-in and support for the development and use of new technologies.

In conclusion, developing nanotechnology to combat drug trafficking in Nigeria is a challenging task that requires significant resources, skilled personnel, and collaboration between government agencies and research institutions. The Nigerian government must address the challenges outlined above to develop and implement new technologies effectively.