NDLEA Proposes Drug Tests for Corps Members: Prevention Over Punishment

In a move to address Nigeria’s escalating drug abuse crisis, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has proposed mandatory drug integrity tests for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members upon their arrival at orientation camps. This initiative, championed by NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd.), aims to identify and assist individuals struggling with substance abuse early on, rather than penalize them.​

During a recent meeting with NYSC Director-General Brig. Gen. Olakunle Nafiu at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja, Marwa emphasized the importance of early detection in combating drug addiction. He stated, “Once they know there’ll be drug tests at the camps, they will abstain from it. The whole essence is to ensure help gets to those who test positive early. This is part of our War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative”.

The NDLEA’s proposal is not limited to corps members. Marwa has previously advocated for drug tests for politicians, students, and even intending couples, suggesting that such measures could serve as deterrents and facilitate early intervention.

Recognizing the shortage of rehabilitation and counseling centers in Nigeria, Marwa also proposed that NYSC members with backgrounds in psychology, nursing, or related fields be deployed to NDLEA’s counseling and treatment centers. This strategy aims to bolster the agency’s capacity to provide psychosocial support at the grassroots level.

Brig. Gen. Nafiu expressed support for the initiative, describing it as “a fantastic idea” and pledged to collaborate with the NDLEA to develop guidelines for implementing the drug integrity tests. He also committed to posting qualified corps members to NDLEA commands across the country to assist in counseling and rehabilitation efforts.​

As Nigeria grapples with a growing drug abuse problem, particularly among its youth, the NDLEA’s proposal represents a shift towards preventive measures and early intervention. By integrating drug integrity tests into the NYSC program and leveraging the skills of corps members, the agency hopes to foster a more robust and responsive approach to drug abuse prevention and treatment.