The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) is advocating for compulsory drug testing for all National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members to address the increasing issue of substance abuse among young Nigerians.
During a “Training the Trainer” event held in Abuja on Saturday, NDLEA Chairman Brigadier General Buba Marwa (retd.) outlined the agency’s proposal. The event, which was organized in partnership with Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, aimed to equip religious and community leaders with the tools to prevent substance abuse and support families affected by addiction.
Represented by Mrs. Ngozi Madubuike, the NDLEA’s Director of Drug Demand Reduction, Marwa explained that implementing drug tests at NYSC orientation camps would not only discourage potential drug use but also allow for early intervention and support for those who test positive.
The proposal is part of the NDLEA’s larger “War Against Drug Abuse” campaign, which has already gained traction in some universities and state governments. The agency also supplies affordable testing kits and provides trained personnel to conduct screenings in schools and other institutions.
Marwa emphasized that knowing drug tests would be a part of the NYSC process would likely discourage prospective corps members from using drugs, and more importantly, it would provide timely assistance to those in need of rehabilitation.
In addition to law enforcement, the NDLEA’s strategy prioritizes education, prevention, and community involvement. Marwa called for a unified effort, recognizing that drug abuse is driven by broader social and economic factors that require a collective response from families, educators, religious leaders, and society at large.
Parents, in particular, were urged to engage more with their children by fostering open communication, monitoring their social interactions and online activities, and promoting positive values within the home.
Child development expert and National Cancer Society secretary, Juliet Michael, praised the initiative, noting that it comes at a time when many families are seeing a decline in moral standards. She stressed the importance of parents being role models and creating an environment that encourages good behavior.
“Today’s children face many different pressures,” Michael stated. “Parents need to step up, be more involved, and demonstrate the discipline they expect from their children.”
Iyenoma Osazee, another participant, highlighted that the training is helping communities identify early signs of drug use and guiding affected individuals toward appropriate treatment and rehabilitation.
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