The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) is advocating for compulsory drug testing for all individuals entering the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
During a recent ‘Training the Trainer’ event in Abuja, NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), emphasized the agency’s commitment to combating drug abuse through initiatives that include drug testing in educational institutions, communities, and families.
Marwa, represented by Mrs. Ngozi Madubuike, the NDLEA’s Director of Drug Demand Reduction, explained that implementing drug tests at NYSC camps could deter substance use and provide timely support for individuals who test positive during orientation.
This initiative is part of the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, which strives to decrease the demand for drugs and foster stronger support networks for young people.
The policy is seeing adoption in various universities and state governments and is gradually gaining momentum across the nation.
To facilitate these efforts, the NDLEA is providing affordable drug test kits to schools and assigning trained personnel to oversee testing processes. While facing some resistance, the agency continues to advocate for drug testing requirements in other sectors, including public service.
Marwa stated, “If youths know that drug tests will be conducted at camps, many will think twice before using drugs. Our aim is to provide early assistance to those in need.”
He highlighted the urgent necessity for coordinated action to tackle the alarming rise in drug abuse.In addition to enforcement through arrests and prosecutions, the NDLEA is also focusing on educational and rehabilitative measures to address the root causes of substance abuse, which often stem from broader social, economic, and environmental issues outside the agency’s direct influence.
He called for parents, educators, religious leaders, and communities to unite in prevention efforts. Parents were encouraged to engage in open dialogues with their children, monitor peer interactions and online activities, and foster strong moral values.
Marwa asserted that reversing the escalating crisis of substance abuse among Nigerian youth requires a collective national effort.
He views collaboration with the NYSC and educational institutions as essential in this fight.
Juliet Michael, a childhood education expert and secretary of the National Cancer Society, endorsed the initiative, describing it as timely and crucial, especially in light of the declining moral values in many families.
Michael reflected on the challenges parents face in connecting with their children today, attributing this to peer pressure and insufficient role modeling.
She urged parents to serve as positive examples, befriend their children’s peers, and create nurturing environments that promote good behavior.She emphasized the need for parents to embody the values they wish to instill, as the home remains the cornerstone of societal change.
Another participant, Iyenoma Osazee, noted that the training equips individuals to recognize early signs of drug use and guide those affected toward seeking treatment.
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