By Ken Chiwendu
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency says it is advocating for mandatory drug testing for all prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps.
Chairman of the Agency Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), said the agency is tackling drug abuse by promoting drug testing in universities, communities, and among families.
Marwa spoke during a ‘Training the Trainer’ event, organised by NDLEA in partnership with Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries in Abuja on Saturday.
The initiative aims to equip church leaders and community influencers with tools to educate youths, prevent drug use, and support families battling addiction.
Marwa represented by Mrs Ngozi Madubuike, NDLEA’s Director of Drug Demand Reduction,said drug tests at NYSC camps would help deter substance use.
According to him,the tests would also enable timely support and intervention for those who test positive for drugs during orientation.
The programme is part of the War Against Drug Abuse campaign, aimed at reducing drug demand and building stronger support networks for youths.
The NDLEA said while the policy has already been adopted by some universities and state governments and is gradually gaining wider acceptance,it is pushing for drug test requirements in other sectors, including public service, in spite of some opposition.
“If youths know camps include drug tests, they’ll avoid it. The goal is early help for those who need it,” said Marwa.
He emphasised that urgent collective action is needed to address the rising trend of drug abuse in the country.
Marwa attributed the roots of drug abuse to wider social, economic, and environmental factors beyond the agency’s control.
He stressed the importance of collaboration of parents, teachers, religious figures, and communities for prevention
“NDLEA sees collaboration with NYSC and educational institutions as vital to combatting drug abuse among the youth population,”
