NDLEA seeks drug tests for all prospective corps members
Story by Hamzat Ibrahim
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) is intensifying its campaign against drug abuse by proposing mandatory drug testing for all prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members.
This proposal was disclosed during a “Training the Trainer” programme held in Abuja on Saturday. The event, organised in partnership with the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), brought together church leaders and community influencers to empower them with strategies to prevent drug use among youths.
The NDLEA Chairman, Buba Marwa, represented by Ngozi Madubuike, Director of Drug Demand Reduction, said: “If youths know camps include drug tests, they’ll avoid it. The goal is early help for those who need it.”
Mr Marwa explained that testing corps members at NYSC camps would deter drug use and also help in identifying individuals in need of support and rehabilitation during orientation.
READ ALSO: Mandatory drug tests for appointees, employees yielding results – NDLEA
He further stressed: “NDLEA sees collaboration with NYSC and educational institutions as vital to combatting drug abuse among the youth population.”
The initiative is part of the broader War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, which promotes education, prevention, and rehabilitation.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), some universities and state governments have already adopted similar testing policies, with NDLEA providing affordable test kits and trained officers to support implementation.
Marwa also acknowledged that drug abuse stems from deeper societal problems, stating: “The roots of drug abuse lie in wider social, economic, and environmental factors beyond the agency’s control.”
He urged parents to take active roles in their children’s lives: “Parents were urged to speak openly with children, monitor their peers and online habits, and promote strong moral values.”
Juliet Michael, an early childhood education expert and secretary of the National Cancer Society, described the programme as critical. She noted: “In the past, a look from parents was enough. Today, many parents struggle to connect with their children.”
She added: “Parents must live the values they expect, as the home remains the bedrock of national change.”
Another participant, Iyenoma Osazee, emphasised the importance of early detection and guidance, saying the training enables individuals to identify drug issues early and guide affected youths towards appropriate treatment.
Follow the Neptune Prime channel on WhatsApp:
Do you have breaking news, interview request, opinion, suggestion, or want your event covered? Email us at neptuneprime2233@gmail.com
 is intensifying its campaign){kind=link}