Codeine Crisis To Care: How UNODC’s Quality Assurance Mechanisms Redefined Drug Treatment Services In Dawanau, Kano

What started with a BBC documentary exposing the harsh realities of Nigeria’s codeine crisis has since become a powerful story of change. In Kano State, UNODC, with support from the European Union, introduced Quality Assurance mechanisms for drug use disorder treatment, turning challenges into opportunities for reform. The Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Dawanau, once marked by neglect, underwent a remarkable transformation: wards were renovated, new staff recruited, and all patients now receive dignified, rights-based care. This progress has set a new national standard for effective drug treatment and mental health services.

The impact has gone beyond physical upgrades. Healthcare workers were trained in evidence-based approaches, management systems were strengthened, and patients now experience care that prioritises dignity, safety, and recovery. The hospital’s accreditation to train new doctors highlights its evolution into a centre of excellence. With this success now inspiring reforms in Kaduna State, the initiative shows how investment in quality assurance, international collaboration, and local leadership can deliver lasting change for individuals, families, and communities.