The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) is calling for mandatory drug testing for all prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in a bid to tackle the growing issue of drug abuse among Nigerian youths.
Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), the NDLEA Chairman, made this call during a “Training the Trainer” event organized by the agency in partnership with the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) in Abuja on Saturday. The event aimed to equip church leaders and community influencers with the necessary tools to educate young people, prevent drug use, and support families affected by addiction.
Marwa, who was represented at the event by Mrs. Ngozi Madubuike, NDLEA’s Director of Drug Demand Reduction, stated that the drug tests would be part of a broader strategy to curb substance abuse in the country. According to him, testing at NYSC orientation camps would act as a deterrent, encouraging young Nigerians to stay clear of drugs. Additionally, it would allow for timely intervention and support for individuals who test positive for drugs.
The push for mandatory drug testing is part of the NDLEA’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, which aims to reduce the demand for illegal drugs and create stronger support networks for young people. While the policy has already been adopted by some universities and state governments, the NDLEA is now seeking to expand its implementation across various sectors, including public service.
Marwa highlighted that addressing the rising drug abuse problem requires a collective effort beyond the work of law enforcement. While the NDLEA focuses on arrests, drug seizures, and prosecutions, it also strives to tackle the root causes of substance abuse, which are often linked to social, economic, and environmental factors.
One of the agency’s key strategies is educating the public about the dangers of drugs and promoting rehabilitation programs for those affected. Marwa emphasized the importance of early detection and intervention, noting that if young people know drug tests are part of the NYSC orientation process, they would be less likely to engage in drug use. He added that the goal is to provide help to those who need it as early as possible, preventing the problem from escalating.
“Drug abuse is a national issue that requires urgent action,” Marwa said. “It is not just about arresting and prosecuting offenders; we need to prevent drug use before it starts.”
The NDLEA is also pushing for the implementation of drug testing requirements in other sectors, despite facing some resistance. Marwa believes that if drug tests become routine in key areas such as public service and education, it will have a long-term positive effect on curbing substance abuse among Nigerian youths.
The NDLEA’s collaboration with the NYSC and educational institutions is seen as crucial in addressing the rising trend of drug use among young Nigerians. The agency views NYSC members, who are primarily young people, as a key group that can be influenced positively through education and early intervention.
Marwa stressed that families, teachers, religious leaders, and communities must all work together to prevent drug use. Parents, in particular, were urged to engage in open discussions with their children, monitor their activities, and promote strong moral values. He pointed out that a unified approach is necessary to reverse the current crisis of substance abuse in the country.
“Parents must take an active role in their children’s lives, especially now when the pressures of society, peer influence, and social media are pushing youths towards harmful behaviours,” he said.
The initiative has received support from various experts and community leaders. Juliet Michael, a childhood education expert and secretary of the National Cancer Society, praised the program as both timely and necessary. Michael highlighted the role of families in instilling good values, noting that many homes are struggling to maintain discipline and positive moral standards.
“In the past, a simple look from parents was enough to correct a child. But today, many parents are struggling to connect with their children, especially with the influence of peer pressure and poor role modelling,” Michael said. “Programs like these are essential in helping families to strengthen their values and combat the harmful trends in society.”
She also called on parents to set a good example for their children, engage with their peers, and create an environment that fosters positive behaviour. According to her, the home is the foundation of national change, and it is vital that parents live the values they expect from their children.
Another participant, Iyenoma Osazee, shared that the training would help people identify early signs of drug abuse and offer guidance to those affected. Osazee, who has worked in community development, stressed the importance of early intervention in addressing drug use and ensuring that individuals receive the necessary treatment and support.
The NDLEA’s focus on drug testing is part of the broader War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, which was launched in 2020 to reduce the consumption of illegal substances in Nigeria. The campaign aims to raise awareness about the dangers of drug use and educate the public about the harmful effects of drugs on health and society.
The issue of drug abuse has become a growing concern in Nigeria, with increasing reports of young people using substances such as cannabis, opioids, and methamphetamines. These drugs are often linked to a variety of social problems, including violence, mental health issues, and a breakdown of family structures. Experts say that the rise in drug abuse is linked to unemployment, poverty, and a lack of recreational opportunities for young people.
The NDLEA’s push for drug testing in NYSC camps is seen as an effort to combat these issues at an early stage, helping to identify individuals who may be struggling with addiction and providing them with the necessary support and treatment.
