By Philomina Attah
In a bold move to curb the rising tide of drug abuse among Nigerian youths, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has declared its push for mandatory drug testing of all prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
Chairman of the agency, retired Brigadier-General Buba Marwa, said the plan is part of a wider strategy to catch drug use early and provide help before it’s too late.
Speaking at a high-powered ‘Training the Trainer’ workshop in Abuja—organised in partnership with the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries—Marwa stressed that no NYSC camp should welcome drug users.
Represented by Mrs Ngozi Madubuike, Director of Drug Demand Reduction at the NDLEA, Marwa said drug tests at NYSC orientation camps would not only deter substance abuse but also enable swift intervention for those who test positive.
“This is not about punishment—it’s about protection. If youths know drug tests await them at camp, they’ll think twice. And those already struggling can get help early,” he said.
The initiative falls under the agency’s aggressive War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, which seeks to break the cycle of addiction through early detection and support.
The NDLEA has already begun distributing low-cost test kits to universities, while trained officers carry out screenings. Similar policies are being adopted by some state governments and tertiary institutions across the country.
Despite facing some resistance, the agency is determined to extend drug test requirements to other sectors, including public service.
“This is a battle we must win—before drugs destroy our future leaders,” Marwa declared.
