Sweet Sweet Codeine: Nigeria’s Cough Syrup Crisis (2018)

In recent years, Nigeria has grappled with a silent epidemic: the rampant abuse of codeine-containing cough syrup. What was once a legitimate medication for alleviating coughs has morphed into a public health catastrophe, ensnaring countless young Nigerians in its perilous web.

Magnitude of the Crisis:

• The Nigerian Senate estimates that a staggering 3 million bottles of codeine syrup are consumed daily in just two northern states: Kano and Jigawa . This alarming statistic underscores the scale of the problem.
• The syrup, initially intended for legitimate medical use, has become a menace on the streets. Its accessibility and affordability have fueled its widespread misuse.

The Dark Transformation:

• Codeine, an opioid, is highly addictive. When abused, it can lead to severe health consequences, including psychosis, organ failure, and even death.
• Young people, seeking escape from life’s challenges, turn to this syrup for a temporary high. But the consequences are devastating.

Unmasking the Culprits:

• BBC Africa Eye conducted an undercover investigation to expose the truth behind this crisis. Who produces the syrup? Who supplies it to Nigeria’s students?
• The answers are both alarming and heartbreaking. The documentary Sweet Sweet Codeine dives into the murky world of illicit drug distribution, revealing the dark underbelly of a seemingly innocuous medication.

Urgent Call to Action:

• Nothing remains hidden forever. The crisis demands immediate attention from policymakers, healthcare professionals, and society at large.
• Awareness campaigns, stricter regulations, and rehabilitation programs are essential to combat this epidemic.

The documentary serves as a wake-up call, urging us to confront the reality of addiction and its devastating impact on individuals, families, and communities. Let us collectively work toward a healthier, drug-free future for Nigeria.