Kaduna State has taken a major step toward reforming its criminal justice and health systems by introducing a UN-backed Alternatives to Incarceration (ATI) programme that diverts drug offenders from prison to rehabilitation and recovery.
The initiative, launched under the administration of Governor Uba Sani, aims to address drug abuse and mental health through a rights-based approach that prioritises treatment, education, and reintegration rather than punishment.
Speaking at a press briefing in Kaduna, the Director General of the Kaduna State Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Agency (KADSAPA), Joseph Ike, described the programme as a bold departure from punitive justice models that have often worsened addiction and social exclusion.
“The Governor’s ATI model is transforming how we view substance abuse, not as a crime, but as a public health issue that requires compassion, care, and structured support,” Ike said.
He revealed that over 20,000 residents have already benefited from community-based centres across the state offering literacy, vocational training, psychological counselling, and recovery programmes designed to reintegrate affected persons into society.
Ike noted that the programme also strengthens collaboration among law enforcement, health institutions, and community organisations to ensure offenders are assessed, treated, and monitored under professional supervision.
According to him, the Kaduna Model has drawn praise from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and other global partners for aligning with international best practices that balance human rights with effective crime prevention.
He added that the state is scaling up mental health awareness campaigns and expanding access to primary healthcare centres offering substance use treatment.
“Our goal is to build safer communities through healing and empowerment, not punishment,” he said.
Observers say Kaduna’s rights-based and health-oriented strategy could serve as a national template for other states tackling the twin challenges of drug abuse and overcrowded prisons, marking a shift toward a more humane and effective justice system in Nigeria.
About the Author
