The International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP) Nigeria Chapter, in strategic collaboration with the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT), has announced the successful development of Nigeria’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Assisted Substance Use Screening and Brief Intervention Tool.
The groundbreaking innovation will be officially unveiled during a national webinar scheduled for March 12, 2026, at 3:00 PM WAT, as part of ISSUP Nigeria’s Knowledge Update Series.
This pioneering digital tool represents a significant milestone in Nigeria’s public health and addiction prevention landscape. Designed to expand access to early detection and brief intervention services, the AI-assisted platform provides confidential, stigma-free, and user-friendly screening, particularly for individuals who may not have access to traditional facility-based services.
Substance use disorders remain under-identified across many low- and middle-income settings due to stigma, workforce shortages, and limited access to structured clinical environments. Early identification and brief intervention are globally recognized as cost-effective and evidence-based prevention strategies, yet screening services often remain confined to healthcare facilities.
The newly developed AI-assisted tool aims to bridge this gap by leveraging digital technology to extend screening services beyond clinics and into communities. By offering anonymous risk assessment and brief guidance, the tool complements, rather than replaces, human-led services, while strengthening referral pathways to professional care when needed.
Speaking ahead of the unveiling, Dr. Olajumoke Koyeojo, President of ISSUP Nigeria Chapter, described the innovation as a defining step in strengthening Nigeria’s prevention infrastructure.
“This initiative reflects our commitment to moving from conversation to implementation. We are leveraging technology to close screening gaps, reduce stigma, and provide early support before substance use challenges escalate. The future of addiction screening and brief intervention is here and Nigeria is taking the lead.”
Dr. Koyeojo emphasized that the collaboration with NIGCOMSAT highlights the power of cross-sector partnerships in addressing complex public health challenges through innovation.
The AI-assisted screening model has been designed with scalability in mind, allowing adaptation to local cultural contexts and language variations. It also provides a framework that can potentially be replicated across other Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) facing similar challenges in addiction prevention and early detection.
By integrating artificial intelligence with evidence-based brief intervention principles, the initiative demonstrates how digital health innovation can:
- Strengthen early identification systems
- Reduce stigma through confidential self-assessment
- Expand access in underserved communities
- Support proactive and preventive approaches to substance use care
Webinar Details
The official unveiling webinar will present the tool’s framework, design considerations, ethical safeguards, and implementation strategy.
Date: March 12, 2026
Time: 3:00 PM WAT
Stakeholders including policymakers, healthcare professionals, addiction counsellors, public health experts, youth advocates, researchers, and development partners are encouraged to participate.
Registration is now open at:
https://www.issup.net/national-chapters/issup-nigeria/events/calendar/2026-03/digital-screening-substance-use-scalable-model-nigeria
About ISSUP Nigeria
ISSUP Nigeria Chapter is part of the global ISSUP network committed to strengthening the professional development of the substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery workforce. The Chapter promotes evidence-based strategies, capacity building, and multi-sector collaboration to improve national and regional responses to substance use disorders.
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