The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA) has restated its push for compulsory drug tests for corps members.
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), who renewed the demand, described the initiative as a preventive, not punitive measure.
Marwa spoke during a courtesy visit by the Director General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brig. Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, and senior NYSC officials to the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja.
This was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, who said Marwa emphasised the urgent need to curb drug abuse among Nigerian youth.
“This is not a punitive action.
“The goal is prevention—helping individuals before drug use escalates into addiction.
“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.”
While 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 the society at large,” he said.
Responding, the NYSC DG described the proposal as a “fantastic idea,” pledging to review the NDLEA’s recommendations for possible implementation.
Nafiu also assured that the NYSC would develop a comprehensive framework to facilitate the posting of qualified corps members to NDLEA commands, particularly those with active counseling and treatment facilities.
He commended Marwa for his leadership and reaffirmed the NYSC’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the NDLEA in tackling drug abuse among Nigerian youth.