NACADA warns influencers against promoting drug, alcohol use on social media

In a statement issued on Monday, September 23, 2024, NACADA urged content creators to stop using their platforms to glorify or normalise drug use, emphasising the serious public health risks associated with such behaviour.

NACADA reminded the public that promoting drug use is a violation of the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act of 2010 and the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Control Act of 1994.

The authorities emphasised that it is illegal to advertise, promote, or encourage substance abuse in any way, and that such behaviour undermines ongoing efforts to protect vulnerable groups, particularly children.

The agency called on parents to be vigilant about their children’s social media consumption, noting that many platforms lack adequate safeguards to protect minors from exposure to harmful content. 

The Authority  encouraged parents to actively monitor their children's online activity, engage in open discussions about the dangers of drug use, and report any harmful content to the relevant authorities.

In addition, NACADA emphasised influencers' ethical responsibility to promote healthy behaviours, urging them to use their platforms for positive messaging.

The agency also provided a helpline for the public to report any content that encourages drug or substance abuse.

This warning comes as NACADA pursues its larger mission of combating drug abuse and protecting public health, particularly among the nation's youth.