The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), has reiterated the agency’s call for mandatory drug tests for corps members, describing the initiative as a preventive, not punitive measure.
During a courtesy visit by the Director General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brig. Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, and senior NYSC officials to the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja, Marwa underlined the critical need to combat drug addiction among Nigerian youth.
The visit was confirmed in a statement released on Wednesday by NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi.
Marwa added that the suggested drug integrity test, which has elicited varied views online, focuses on early detection and intervention.
“This is not a punitive action,” he stressed. “The goal is prevention—helping individuals before drug use escalates into addiction.”
Quoting data from national drug surveys, he stated, “One in every seven Nigerians aged 15 to 64 engages in drug usage. The drug epidemic continues to devastate our families and communities.” The crisis has affected every area of this country.
According to him, the NDLEA’s objective is twofold: reduce supply while also lowering demand through education, counselling, and rehabilitation.
Marwa praised the NDLEA’s partnership with NYSC, citing the establishment of War Against Drug Abuse clubs in NYSC orientation camps, and proposed further collaboration, including mandatory drug tests for corps members.
“In addition to suggesting that intending couples obtain drug-free certificates, we believe early detection through drug tests can prevent severe consequences, including psychiatric disorders, which affect not only users but the society at large,” he said.
To further boost drug prevention efforts, Marwa proposed assigning corps members with backgrounds in psychology, nursing, psychiatry, or counselling to NDLEA Counselling and Treatment Centres across the country as primary assignments.
“This will deepen their professional experience and enhance the agency’s rehabilitation efforts,” he added.
The NYSC DG responded, calling the suggestion a “fantastic idea” and promising to investigate the NDLEA’s recommendations for possible adoption.
Nafiu also stated that the NYSC would create a thorough structure to assist the posting of qualified corps members to NDLEA commands, particularly those that had active counselling and treatment facilities.
He praised Marwa for his leadership and restated the NYSC’s commitment to enhancing its collaboration with the NDLEA in combating drug misuse among Nigerian youth.
