The study evaluated the use and abuse of psychoactive substances among commercial motorcycle operators from Tarauni Local Government Area of Kano State, North-Western Nigeria. It specifically assessed the prevalence of psychoactive substance use, although it also looked at the pattern of psychoactive substance use and the variables associated with its use among the commercial motorcycle operators. Three hundred and ninety four (394) subjects participated in the study, and were recruited using multistage sampling method. Assessment was carried out with the use of sociodemographic questionnaire , the student drug use questionnaire, the clinical interview using the alcohol and psychoactive substance use section of the schedule for clinical assessment in neuropsychiatry (SCAN) and toxicology screening using urine drug screening kit. The results showed that the prevalence of overall psychoactive substance use was 19.3%. The prevalence of tobacco, stimulant (gadagi), and cannabis use were 19.3%, 11.9% and 3.8% respectively, while the prevalence of inhalants and opiates use were 2.0% and 1.3% respectively. There were no reported use of alcohol, benzodiazepines and cocaine. All the subjects were males, Moslems, within the age range of 22-60 years mean of 32.7 ± 6.6 years. They were mostly married (88.6%), and more than two third of them (70.1%) were from Kano. Positive correlation were found between psychoactive substance use and age, as well as with marital status, such that the younger the age of the motorcyclists (22-35 years), the more chances of using psychoactive substances, and the singles respondents were more likely to use psychoactive substances. In conclusion, the study has highlighted the prevalence and pattern of substance use and abuse among commercial motorcyclists. It has important implication for policy makers to initiate primary preventive measures that could be focused towards the reduction of substance use and abuse among commercial motorcyclists in the community.