Why NDLEA Seeks Drug Test For Corps Members, Others – Marwa

 Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa (Retd.), Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has advocated for mandatory drug integrity tests for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members. This initiative aims to curb substance abuse among Nigerian youths and promote early intervention strategies. 

During a meeting with NYSC Director General Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu in Abuja, Marwa emphasized that the proposed drug tests are preventive, not punitive. He stated that individuals who test positive would receive appropriate counseling and rehabilitation services to address drug dependence before it escalates into more severe health issues.

Highlighting the urgency of the matter, Marwa cited statistics indicating that approximately one in seven Nigerians aged 15 to 64 engage in drug use. He stressed the importance of collaborative efforts between the NDLEA and NYSC to reduce drug demand among youths through initiatives like the drug integrity test.

In addition to testing, Marwa proposed deploying corps members with backgrounds in psychology, nursing, psychiatry, or counseling to NDLEA's counseling and treatment centers across the country. This strategy aims to bolster the agency's rehabilitation efforts and provide corps members with practical experience in addressing substance abuse issues.

The NYSC has expressed support for the initiative, with DG Nafiu describing the drug integrity test as a commendable idea. He assured that the scheme would develop guidelines to facilitate the posting of qualified corps members to NDLEA centers, enhancing the collaborative effort to combat drug abuse among Nigerian youths.

This proposed collaboration underscores a proactive approach to addressing the growing concern of substance abuse in Nigeria, particularly among the youth demographic.