Recreational nitrous oxide use in Nigeria: an emerging public health problem?

ObjectiveMedia reports have highlighted the use of nitrous oxide for recreational purposes in Nigeria, but empirical research is lacking.MethodsWe reviewed and synthesized available evidence elicited from media sources and websites of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency; (NDLEA)- the federal drug regulatory agency.ResultsEvidence shows that Nigerian youth use nitrous oxide for recreational purposes, and parties appear to be the predominant use context. Some nitrous oxide users record themselves while inhaling the substance from balloons and post the videos on social media. Drug trafficking/illegal sales of nitrous oxide appear to be the source of the substance, which may have informed NDLEA's declaration of nationwide clampdown on illicit sales and nonmedical use of the substance in July 2023. Following the order, NDLEA has intercepted several traffickers of nitrous oxide with large quantities of the substance in different regions, indicating that its recreational use may be widespread.ConclusionsGiven the lack of empirical evidence, there is an urgent need to conduct nationwide studies to determine the nature of this emerging public health problem. This will facilitate the implementation of appropriate public health interventions/policies instead of relying on the current punitive measures that have failed to reduce drug normalization in Nigeria.