Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), has renewed his call for compulsory drug tests for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, describing the proposal as a preventive measure rather than a punitive one.
Marwa made the call while receiving the Director General of the NYSC, Brig. Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, and other top NYSC officials at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja. The visit was confirmed in a statement released on Wednesday by NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi.
Emphasising the growing need to address drug abuse among Nigerian youths, Marwa explained that the proposed drug integrity test is aimed at early detection and intervention. “This is not about punishment,” he said. “It’s about prevention—helping people before addiction sets in.”
Quoting findings from national drug surveys, he revealed that one in seven Nigerians aged 15 to 64 is involved in drug use, highlighting the widespread impact of drug abuse across the country. “No region is spared. This crisis is hurting families and communities nationwide,” he warned.
Marwa explained that the NDLEA’s approach involves both reducing drug supply and curbing demand through public education, counseling, and rehabilitation. He praised the NYSC for its collaboration with the agency, particularly the establishment of War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) clubs in orientation camps.
He further proposed making drug tests mandatory for corps members and recommended that intending couples also present drug-free certificates. “Early detection through drug tests can prevent long-term consequences like psychiatric disorders, which harm both individuals and society,” he noted.
To enhance drug prevention and rehabilitation efforts, Marwa also suggested deploying corps members with backgrounds in psychology, nursing, psychiatry, or counseling to NDLEA’s Counselling and Treatment Centres nationwide for their primary assignments. “This will not only strengthen our operations but also enrich their professional development,” he added.
In his response, Brig. Gen. Nafiu described the initiative as a “fantastic idea” and promised to carefully review the NDLEA’s proposals for potential adoption. He assured that the NYSC would create a comprehensive framework to post qualified corps members to NDLEA commands, especially those offering active counseling and rehabilitation services.
Nafiu also commended Marwa’s leadership and reaffirmed the NYSC’s commitment to collaborating with the NDLEA in the fight against drug abuse among Nigerian youths.
