The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has proposed the implementation of compulsory drug tests for all individuals preparing to join the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). According to the agency’s chairman, retired Brigadier-General Buba Marwa, this is part of a broader effort to combat drug abuse through testing initiatives in universities, local communities, and families.
Marwa made the remarks during a ‘Training the Trainer’ workshop jointly organized by the NDLEA and the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) in Abuja. The programme is designed to empower church leaders and community influencers to educate youths, discourage drug use, and support families dealing with addiction issues.
Represented at the event by Mrs. Ngozi Madubuike, NDLEA’s Director of Drug Demand Reduction, Marwa noted that drug screening at NYSC orientation camps would help dissuade drug use and allow for timely intervention and support for those who test positive.
This initiative falls under the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, which seeks to decrease drug demand and strengthen youth-focused support systems. Several universities and state governments have already adopted this policy, with its acceptance steadily increasing nationwide.
To facilitate this initiative, the NDLEA provides low-cost test kits to educational institutions and deploys trained officers to administer the tests. The agency is also advocating for mandatory drug testing to be extended to other sectors, including public service, despite facing some resistance.
“If youths know camps include drug tests, they’ll avoid it. The goal is early help for those who need it,” said Marwa. He called for immediate and coordinated efforts to address the growing problem of drug abuse in Nigeria. While the agency continues to focus on enforcement through arrests and seizures, it also prioritizes educational and rehabilitation strategies to address drug demand.
Marwa pointed out that the roots of substance abuse are often tied to broader social, economic, and environmental challenges that lie beyond the NDLEA’s direct reach.He highlighted the crucial roles that parents, educators, religious leaders, and communities must play in prevention efforts. Parents, he urged, should maintain open lines of communication with their children, stay informed about their peer groups and online interactions, and instill sound moral values.
He maintained that only a united national response can effectively reverse the alarming rise in drug use among young Nigerians.“NDLEA sees collaboration with NYSC and educational institutions as vital to combatting drug abuse among the youth population,” he said.
Juliet Michael, an expert in childhood education and Secretary of the National Cancer Society, commended the initiative, calling it both timely and essential. She emphasized that the programme offers much-needed support to families at a time when moral standards are weakening in many households.Reflecting on the past, she said, “In the past, a look from parents was enough. Today, many parents struggle to connect with their children.”
She cited peer pressure and a lack of positive role models as contributing factors to the erosion of discipline and values among young people. Michael encouraged parents to set good examples, build strong relationships with their children’s friends, and foster a home environment that reinforces positive behavior.
She further emphasized that workshops like this play a key role in promoting healthy family values and countering negative societal trends. According to her, parents must embody the values they hope to see, as the home remains the foundation for national transformation.
Another attendee, Iyenoma Osazee, noted that the training equips participants with the knowledge to identify early signs of drug use and guide affected individuals toward proper rehabilitation.
Source : https://nannews.ng/
