The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has called for mandatory drug tests for all incoming members of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC.
NDLEA Chairman, retired Brigadier-General Buba Marwa, made the call in Abuja during a training programme organised in partnership with the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, MFM.
Marwa, represented by Mrs Ngozi Madubuike, Director of Drug Demand Reduction, said drug testing in NYSC camps would deter substance abuse among youths.
He said, “If prospective corps members know there will be drug tests, many will avoid drug use.”
He added that early detection would allow the agency to offer help to those testing positive at orientation camps.
The NDLEA chief explained that the agency has promoted drug testing in universities, communities, and families under the War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, campaign.
The campaign, he said, targets young people and supports families battling addiction.
According to him, some universities and state governments have adopted the testing policy, which is gradually gaining acceptance nationwide.
He revealed that NDLEA provides affordable test kits to schools and assigns trained officers to carry out testing.
The agency is also pushing for drug tests in public service, despite facing opposition from some quarters.
Marwa warned that drug abuse among Nigerian youths is rising and requires urgent national action.
He said social, economic, and environmental issues drive drug abuse, and go beyond the agency’s control.
He urged parents, teachers, religious leaders, and community influencers to take the lead in prevention efforts.
“Parents must talk to their children, monitor their peers, and model strong values,” he said.
Juliet Michael, a childhood education expert and Secretary of the National Cancer Society, praised the programme.
She said, “This training is timely. Families need support as moral values decline.”
Michael urged parents to connect with their children, welcome their friends, and set positive examples at home.
She added that workshops like this build resilience and counter negative peer influence.
Another participant, Iyenoma Osazee, said the programme empowers leaders to detect early drug use and guide affected youths to help.
He described it as a step forward in the fight against drug abuse.
