Date of Conferral

2020

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

Timothy P. Fadgen

Abstract

The Nigerian government’s cannabis prohibition policy has failed to achieve the suppression of supply and reduction of demand for drugs. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore the policy implementation experiences of Nigeria’s drug control officers regarding Nigeria’s drug control policies. The theoretical foundation was social construction theory. Data were collected from reviews of public documents and in-depth interviews with 15 active or retired drug control officers. Data were sorted, organized, and coded through directed content analysis to identify themes. The themes that emerged included defective nature and content of the policy, poor policy implementation, and unfavorable cannabis control environment. Participants reported that the prohibition policy has been ineffective because of the defective nature of the policy, poor implementation strategy, and an unfavorable drug control environment. Findings may be used to promote open discussion and knowledge of psychoactive drug control, which may improve the social condition in Nigeria. Study recommendations include the introduction of people-friendly and harm-reducing interventions such as the promotion of needle and syringe exchange services, opiate substitution therapy for drug-dependent individuals, and safe lifestyles.

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