Encomium
On Wednesday, April 29, 2026, the MTN Foundation, in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the Office of the Vice President (OVP), officially signed the Letter of Acceptance for Cooperation on the National Substance Use Survey in Nigeria.
The agreement marks a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to tackle substance abuse through evidence-based strategies capable of informing policy direction, advocacy efforts, resource allocation and, stakeholder collaboration nationwide.
The signing ceremony, which brought together representatives from government, development institutions, and the private sector, reinforces a growing recognition that addressing substance abuse requires a multisectoral approach underpinned by credible data and collective action.
According to stakeholders involved in the initiative, the National Substance Use Survey is designed to provide comprehensive and reliable insights into substance use trends across Nigeria. Importantly, the survey is expected to shift conversations and interventions from reactive responses to proactive, intelligence-led solutions. By equipping policymakers, development organisations, healthcare stakeholders, and community leaders with accurate data, the initiative aims to improve the effectiveness of programmes addressing substance abuse and its broader social impact.
The Office of the Vice President commended the initiative and particularly acknowledged the leadership role of MTN Foundation in contributing to the fight against drug abuse in Nigeria. Speaking at the presidential villa during the signing of the letter of agreement, Shettima stated, “We expect the findings to land as policy inputs, not as documents, and we expect a full and final report not later than the first quarter of next year, I want to be clear that the office of the vice president’s role is not ceremonial we are in this for the outcome because the survey report will provide the relevant authorities with granular local government data required to design and implement critical interventions”
“We are establishing a Project Management Office (PMO) within this office. The PMO will coordinate government participation across all stages: questionnaire design, field oversight, interagency engagements and the launch and utilization of the final report.”
The Vice President further recognised the Foundation as a thought leader within the private sector for consistently championing impactful social interventions, including the MTN Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP) which drives national development.
The executive director MTN Nigeria Foundation Odunayo Sanya in her remarks said, “the initiative isaimed at deepening the partnership between the Foundation and Federal Government in terms of national development and preserving the future of the Nigerian youth.”
Over the years, the MTN Foundation has continued to demonstrate commitment towards youth development, advocacy, and community empowerment through strategic interventions aimed at addressing critical societal challenges. Its collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the Office of the Vice President on the proposed survey further reflects the increasing importance of public-private partnerships in driving sustainable national development.
Stakeholders believe the survey will not only provide valuable intelligence for immediate interventions but also contribute to long-term policy formulation and national awareness efforts around substance abuse prevention and rehabilitation.
As Nigeria continues to navigate evolving social, economic and public health challenges, the collaboration between MTN Foundation, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, and the Office of the Vice President stands as a strong example of how strategic partnerships can shape meaningful national conversations, strengthen institutions, and drive lasting social impact through informed action.
