The Prevalence of Substance Abuse Among Youths in Abule-Egba, Lagos Nigeria: A Systematic Review

Background: Substance abuse among youths in Nigeria is a critical public health issue, particularly in urban and sub-urban areas such as Abule-Egba, Lagos. Drug and alcohol abuse among young people have been linked to crime, mental health disorders, and socio-economic challenges. This systematic review examines the prevalence of substance abuse among youths in Abule-Egba, identifies commonly abused substances, and explores contributing risk factors.Methods: A systematic search was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, African Journals Online (AJOL), National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and local Nigerian research repositories. Studies published between 2015 and 2025 were reviewed based on PRISMA guidelines.Results: The review indicates that 17%–35% of youths in Abule-Egba are involved in substance abuse, with alcohol, cannabis, tramadol, codeine, and methamphetamine being the most commonly abused substances. Major risk factors include peer pressure, unemployment, family history of substance abuse, and weak law enforcement policies.Conclusion: The prevalence of substance abuse among youths in Abule-Egba is a pressing concern. Urgent intervention strategies, including policy reform, education, and rehabilitation services, are required to address this growing crisis.