The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), has once again emphasized the importance of conducting mandatory drug tests for members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
He described the initiative as a proactive step aimed at prevention rather than punishment.
During a courtesy visit by the NYSC Director General, Brig. Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, and top officials of the scheme to the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja, Marwa underscored the need to urgently address drug abuse among young Nigerians.
“This is not a punitive action,” he said.
“The goal is prevention—helping individuals before drug use escalates into addiction.”
The visit was confirmed through a statement released on Wednesday by NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi.
Marwa, citing figures from national drug use surveys, highlighted the scale of the challenge.
“One in seven Nigerians aged 15 to 64 is involved in drug use. The drug scourge continues to ravage our families and communities. There is no part of this country untouched by the crisis,” he stated.
According to him, the NDLEA’s current approach involves two major strategies, reducing supply and decreasing demand through awareness, education, counseling, and rehabilitation.
He acknowledged the partnership between the NDLEA and NYSC, praising efforts like the establishment of War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) clubs in NYSC camps.
He advocated for more structured collaboration, including the introduction of compulsory drug integrity tests for all corps members.
“In addition to suggesting that intending couples obtain drug-free certificates, we believe early detection through drug tests can prevent severe consequences, including psychiatric disorders, which affect not only users but the society at large,” Marwa added.
To support the fight against substance abuse, Marwa further proposed that corps members with relevant academic backgrounds, such as psychology, psychiatry, nursing, and counseling, should be assigned to NDLEA Counseling and Treatment Centres across the country for their primary assignments.
“This will deepen their professional experience and enhance the agency’s rehabilitation efforts,” he said.
Responding to the proposal, Brig. Gen. Nafiu described it as a “fantastic idea” and promised to thoroughly review the NDLEA’s recommendations.
He gave assurances that the NYSC would create a robust framework to ensure corps members with relevant expertise are posted to NDLEA formations, especially those offering direct counseling and treatment services.
He also lauded Marwa’s leadership and expressed NYSC’s readiness to further collaborate with the agency in curbing drug abuse among youths.
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