The paper assesses the impact of corrections policies on drug abuse and drug law offenses at different stages in the transformation of Nigeria from a colonial outpost to an independent nation. A persistent feature of drug control efforts has been the emphasis on supply reduction through the imposition of harsh and inconsistent punishment, which once included the death penalty for drug trafficking. Consequently, demand reduction through education, treatment, and rehabilitation has been neglected. Two reasons for this situation are the strong influence of international demands and the influence of military regimes with an overriding concern for law and order. The analysis concludes that law reform is needed, based on a comprehensive and clear policy aimed at reducing both supply and demand. Tables and 45 references