The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced a new policy that will require all students seeking admission into tertiary institutions across Nigeria to undergo mandatory drug testing. The agency says the measure is part of a renewed national effort to curb drug abuse among young people, which has become a growing concern in many parts of the country.
NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd.), revealed the new policy at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja shortly after his reappointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second five-year term. Marwa has led the NDLEA since 2021 and is widely credited with introducing aggressive reforms aimed at cracking down on drug trafficking and expanding rehabilitation services.
According to Marwa, the mandatory drug test proposal was submitted to the Federal Ministry of Education, which has now given its full approval. This means that universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and other tertiary institutions will soon begin screening new students during the admission process.
“The Honourable Minister of Education has accepted our recommendation for drug tests for our children upon admission into tertiary institutions, so that we can detect early and intervene before drug use escalates into addiction,” Marwa said.
He explained that the aim is not to shame or punish students who test positive, but to identify early signs of drug use and connect affected youths to counselling or treatment services. According to him, early detection will help prevent many young Nigerians from slipping deeper into addiction, which is often harder and more costly to treat.
Nigeria has faced a rising drug problem in recent years. A 2018 national survey by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) estimated that 14.3 million Nigerians aged 15 to 64 had used drugs at least once, with young people making up a large portion of that population. Substances commonly abused include cannabis, tramadol, codeine mixtures, methamphetamine, and other synthetic drugs.
The NDLEA believes that introducing drug tests at the point of entry into tertiary institutions will create awareness among candidates and encourage more responsible behaviour.
Marwa noted that the new policy is one of several strategies the agency is implementing to prevent drug abuse. He said prevention remains the “most cost-effective and impactful” approach because it stops the problem before it becomes severe.
“We are working to discourage drug abuse while promoting legal and productive alternatives for youths,” he said.
He added that the agency is also supporting the licit cultivation of legal crops, promoting it as a safer form of livelihood for individuals who might otherwise be tempted to engage in the cultivation or distribution of illegal drugs.
In recent years, the NDLEA has also increased its nationwide awareness campaigns, targeting schools, communities, religious institutions, and transport hubs. The agency regularly partners with civil society groups, youth organisations, and traditional rulers to spread anti-drug messages.
One of Marwa’s major points during the announcement was the ongoing effort to expand rehabilitation services across the country. He said Nigeria has long suffered from a shortage of certified drug treatment and rehabilitation facilities, which has forced many individuals battling addiction to rely on unregulated centres or community-based methods that may not meet global standards.
“With the backing of the President and the Renewed Hope Agenda, seven additional rehabilitation centres have been budgeted for in 2025. This means every state will soon have its own rehab facility,” he said.
Marwa explained that the NDLEA is working to ensure that each rehabilitation centre provides modern treatment services, trained professionals, and community outreach programmes. The long-term plan, he added, is to ensure that every Nigerian who struggles with drug addiction has access to safe and affordable treatment.
While highlighting prevention and rehabilitation, the NDLEA chairman also delivered a firm warning to drug traffickers and those involved in the illicit drug trade. He said the agency remains fully prepared to intensify arrests, seizures, and prosecution of offenders.
“Those who refuse to desist can be certain that the NDLEA is up to the task. You will be arrested, your drugs will be seized, and your assets will be forfeited,” Marwa warned.
Since 2021, the NDLEA has recorded several high-profile seizures of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and cannabis. It has also arrested major traffickers, dismantled drug laboratories, and intercepted shipments at Nigerian airports, seaports, and land borders. The agency’s success has won both domestic and international praise, though traffickers continue to employ new tactics to evade detection.
The announcement of mandatory drug tests for admission is expected to generate a nationwide debate. Some parents and education stakeholders have long called for tighter measures to discourage drug use on campuses, where cases of substance abuse often lead to violence, cultism, and academic decline.
However, some students’ groups and human rights advocates may express concerns about privacy, the cost of testing, or the potential misuse of results. There may also be questions about how institutions will implement the policy, who will conduct the tests, and what will happen to students who test positive.
Despite potential disagreements, many believe the policy is a step toward making Nigerian campuses safer. Tertiary institutions across the country have struggled with rising cases of drug-related incidents, including violence, health emergencies, and dropouts. Authorities hope that mandatory testing will help reduce these problems, promote discipline, and encourage students to focus on their education.
Marwa insisted that the NDLEA’s goal is to protect young Nigerians, not punish them.
“Our children are the future of this country,” he said. “We must guide them, support them, and protect them from the dangers of drug abuse.”
