Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd), Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has revealed a groundbreaking initiative: some Nigerian states now conduct drug tests for individuals seeking political office. The announcement underscores the country’s intensifying battle against drug abuse and its ripple effects on governance and society.
“Some states have adopted drug tests for political office seekers,” Marwa disclosed during an interview marking his fourth year as the NDLEA chairman. His tenure has been marked by an unrelenting campaign against drug abuse and trafficking, driven by a deep understanding of the country’s drug crisis.
Marwa’s Mission: A Herculean Task
Since his appointment in January 2021, Marwa has been at the forefront of addressing Nigeria’s alarming drug abuse statistics. The 2018 report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) had painted a grim picture, with Nigeria’s drug use prevalence at 14.4%, almost three times the global average.
“I do not look for an easy job,” Marwa said. “From the first day, I knew the magnitude of Nigeria’s drug abuse situation. I understood the enormity of the task of sanitizing the country.”
Marwa’s prior experience as chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Elimination of Drug Abuse (PACEDA) laid the foundation for his current role. Through PACEDA, he led consultations nationwide and internationally, crafting a blueprint to tackle drug abuse and trafficking.
State-Level Drug Tests: A Bold Reform
Marwa praised states that have adopted drug testing for political aspirants, describing it as a proactive measure to ensure credible leadership. Although he did not name specific states, the policy aligns with the NDLEA’s broader mission to reduce drug abuse’s societal impact.
“This is a step in the right direction. Leadership should come with responsibility, and anyone vying for public office must be above reproach, especially when it comes to drug use,” Marwa stated.
A Multifaceted Approach
Under Marwa’s leadership, the NDLEA has intensified efforts to combat drug trafficking and abuse through arrests, prosecutions, and international collaborations. “What is important is that we have the backing of the government, and our international partners rally to our cause,” he said.
The NDLEA has also made significant strides in public awareness campaigns, targeting schools and communities. Marwa believes societal acceptance of these initiatives is crucial. “More importantly, society is accepting the changes we introduce,” he added.
Successes and Challenges
Despite notable achievements, Marwa acknowledged the challenges of his role. “The road is bumpy, but we are not giving up on the reforms we have instituted,” he affirmed. His leadership has seen the NDLEA dismantle drug cartels, intercept record-breaking quantities of illicit substances, and prosecute high-profile cases.
Recent statistics show that over 26,000 drug offenders have been arrested and more than 3,000 convicted under Marwa’s watch. The agency has also seized millions of kilograms of illicit drugs, including methamphetamine and cocaine.
However, the fight is far from over. “Drug barons are relentless, but so are we,” Marwa declared.
A Call for Collective Action
Marwa emphasized that the fight against drug abuse requires collective responsibility. He urged families, schools, religious organizations, and the media to join hands in creating a drug-free Nigeria.
“Every bit of the problem—the institutional aspect, the funding aspect, the legal dimension, the societal side—must be tackled together,” he said.
International Collaboration
Marwa highlighted the importance of global partnerships in combating drug trafficking, as Nigeria remains a transit hub for illicit substances. The NDLEA collaborates with international agencies to track and intercept shipments.
He also stressed the need for legislative support to enhance the agency’s capacity. “The NDLEA Act needs to be updated to reflect current realities,” Marwa noted, calling on lawmakers to prioritize the agency’s reform agenda.
Hope for the Future
Despite the challenges, Marwa remains optimistic about Nigeria’s ability to overcome its drug crisis. “It is not an easy job, but we are getting it done,” he concluded.
As the NDLEA continues its battle against drug abuse and trafficking, the adoption of drug testing for political aspirants serves as a beacon of hope. It signals a shift toward accountability and integrity in governance—key elements in the fight for a better Nigeria.
