Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd), has clarified that drug tests for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, prospective couples, and others are not intended as punishment but as a preventive health measure.
He made this known during a visit from the NYSC Director General, Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja. Marwa explained that substance abuse remains a nationwide concern, with one in seven Nigerians aged 15 to 64 reportedly using drugs. He described the situation as damaging to families and communities across the country.
Marwa praised the NYSC program as a vital institution and proposed drug testing in NYSC orientation camps as part of a broader effort to reduce drug demand. He likened the suggestion to a previous proposal requiring couples to present drug-free certificates before marriage, emphasizing that early detection of drug use can prevent addiction and reduce risks to both individuals and the public.
According to him, addiction often escalates to psychiatric issues if not addressed in time, making early intervention crucial. He also recommended that corps members with backgrounds in psychology, nursing, counselling, or related fields be posted to NDLEA’s treatment centers as part of their national service.
In response, Nafiu described the drug test proposal as a great idea and pledged to consider its implementation. He also confirmed NYSC’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the NDLEA and said corps members with relevant training would be assigned to support the agency’s rehabilitation and counselling services.
