April 23, (THEWILL) – The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has reiterated its call for mandatory drug integrity tests for youth corps members, prospective couples, and other categories of individuals.
Chairman of the agency, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), made this known on Wednesday during a courtesy visit by the Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig. Gen. Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, to the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja.
Marwa emphasized that the proposed drug test policy is not punitive but is designed to deter substance abuse and facilitate early intervention for those who test positive before their condition escalates to dependency or other serious health issues.
He congratulated the NYSC DG on his recent appointment and described the corps scheme as a “national treasure” and a vital tool for fostering unity.
“The drug scourge has continued to devastate our children, families, and communities. Everywhere you go in the country, there is a drug abuse problem. One in seven Nigerians between the ages of 15 and 64 uses drugs,” Marwa said.
“While we are making efforts to cut off access to these drugs, we must also partner with stakeholders like NYSC to drastically reduce demand. One of our key strategies is the drug integrity test, which we urge NYSC to adopt for corps members.”
Marwa added that, “We are also advocating drug tests for couples intending to marry. Early detection is critical. It helps prevent addiction, psychiatric problems, and broader societal dangers.”
The NDLEA boss further proposed that corps members with academic backgrounds in Guidance and Counselling, Psychology, Nursing, or Psychiatry be posted to NDLEA’s Counselling and Treatment Centres across the country as part of their primary assignment during national service.
“This will help them gain hands-on experience in rehabilitation and psychosocial support,” he said.
In his response, the NYSC DG described the drug integrity test as “a fantastic initiative” and promised to carefully review the NDLEA’s proposal for possible adoption.
He also pledged that the NYSC would work on a general guideline to facilitate the deployment of qualified corps members to NDLEA treatment centres nationwide.
Nafiu commended the NDLEA for its achievements under Marwa’s leadership and expressed readiness to further strengthen the existing partnership between the two agencies.
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