Is Ketamine legal in Nigeria?

Legal status

Controlled substance in NAFDAC's 'Nationally Controlled Drugs' category (alongside tramadol) — not the 'Narcotic Drugs' or 'Psychotropic Drugs' categories; trafficking is enforced under the NDLEA Act (Cap. N30).

Consequences if caught

Unlawful possession or dealing is prosecuted under the NDLEA Act; trafficking of scheduled hard drugs carries up to life imprisonment (the 2024 amendment adopted life, not death). The drug death penalty is not in force, so ketamine does not carry capital exposure.

If prescribed or medical

Handled as a diverted controlled medicine under NAFDAC's permit regime.

Documentation

Hard drugs (cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, MDMA) and cannabis are all illegal under the NDLEA Act (Cap N30, Laws of the Federation 2004). Possession or use of hard drugs (Secs 11/19) draws 15–25 years and trafficking up to life. Cannabis is fully illegal — possession or use 15–25 years, gifting is illegal for both parties, and both medical and recreational cannabis are prohibited (legalization bills in 2020 and 2023 both FAILED in the House of Representatives). [contested] death-penalty applicability — confirm current operative penalty: NDLEA Act Sec 11 carries a 'death OR not less than 21 years' penalty for cannabis cultivation, but a 1986 amendment substituted life imprisonment for the 1984 Decree 20 death penalty, and a [contested] May 2024 Senate amendment to introduce/expand the death penalty for drug offenders was reportedly NOT adopted in final harmonization (the House opted for life imprisonment); the current operative penalty is unsettled across 2024–2025 sources. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with Nigeria’s embassy or official drug authority before traveling; penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.