I first heard about the Nigerian codeine epidemic a couple of months ago, when a viral song by Ọlámìdé titled Science Student was released. Until then, I did not know that a drug epidemic was raging on Nigerian streets and taking lots of young men and women with them. But even then, I had no idea that the drug in question was a prescription cough syrup.

My friend – and Nigerian journalist – Ruona Agbroko-Meyer has now done an important documentary work on this crises, exposing the underground market and individuals that sustain the multimillion naira criminal industry. It is a story that has roots in her own personal story but exposes a national problem through investigative journalism and high stakes reporting.

I strongly recommend it. See below, via the BBC.