The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.) has reiterated the agency’s mandatory drug test proposal for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members.
Marwa, who stated this during a visit by the NYSC Director General, Brig. Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, said the test would help prevent drug abuse among Nigerian youth.
The visit was confirmed in a statement issued on Wednesday by NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi.
Marwa highlighted the alarming rate of drug use in Nigeria, stating that one in seven Nigerians aged 15-64 are involved in drug use.
“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 said.
He proposed early detection and intervention through drug tests to prevent addiction and related issues.
Marwa also suggested deploying corps members with relevant backgrounds to NDLEA treatment centres to enhance rehabilitation efforts.
Highlighting the NDLEA’s collaboration with NYSC, Marwa lauded the formation of War Against Drug Abuse clubs in NYSC orientation camps and proposed deeper cooperation, including mandatory drug tests for 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 society at large,” he said.
Responding, the NYSC DG welcomed the proposal, promising to review and implement it.
He reaffirmed the NYSC’s commitment to partnering with the NDLEA to tackle drug abuse among youth.
