Why NDLEA seeks drug test for Corps Members, Others – Marwa
NYSC DG visits Agency, seeks stronger collaboration
By Mahmood Olayinka Alaya
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), has clarified that the agency’s push for drug integrity tests for youth corps members, intending couples, and other groups is not punitive.
Instead, it is aimed at discouraging substance abuse and ensuring early intervention for individuals who test positive, preventing a slide into drug dependence and related health challenges.
Marwa made this known during a meeting with the Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig. Gen. Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, who led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday.
He congratulated Nafiu on his recent appointment and described the NYSC as a national asset and a powerful tool for unity.
“The drug scourge continues to ravage our children, families, and communities,” Marwa said.
“There is no part of the country unaffected by this problem. One in seven Nigerians aged 15 to 64 uses drugs. While we are cutting off supply, we must also reduce demand. That’s why we advocate for drug integrity tests for corps members.”
He emphasized that alongside supply reduction, the NDLEA focuses on drug demand reduction through prevention, counseling, and rehabilitation.
He praised NYSC’s introduction of War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) clubs in orientation camps, calling it a significant step forward.
“Another important collaboration area is implementing drug integrity tests for corps members,” he said.
“This is a major preventive measure. Just as we advocate that couples undergo drug screening before marriage, early detection can help prevent addiction and the potential for psychiatric complications that pose risks to both the individual and society.”
Marwa also proposed assigning corps members with academic backgrounds in Guidance and Counselling, Psychology, Nursing, and Psychiatry to NDLEA Counseling and Treatment Centres across the country as part of their primary assignment during national service.
He noted that this would equip them with valuable experience in rehabilitation and psychosocial support.
In his response, the NYSC DG described the drug integrity test initiative as a “fantastic idea” and pledged to review the NDLEA’s proposal for possible adoption.
He assured that the scheme would develop guidelines to deploy qualified corps members to NDLEA facilities nationwide.
Nafiu commended Marwa for the agency’s achievements under his leadership and acknowledged the ongoing partnership between the NYSC and NDLEA.
He expressed his commitment to exploring new avenues to deepen and strengthen the collaboration.
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