Why we want NYSC members to undergo drug test -NDLEA

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has called for compulsory drug screening for prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members as part of its ongoing fight against drug abuse.

NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, said the initiative is aimed at reinforcing the agency’s broader strategy to combat substance misuse by promoting testing in educational institutions, communities, and homes.

Speaking through Mrs. Ngozi Madubuike, NDLEA’s Director of Drug Demand Reduction, at a ‘Training the Trainer’ workshop held in Abuja, Marwa emphasized the role of early detection and intervention.

The event, jointly organized with the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), was designed to equip faith leaders and community influencers with knowledge and tools to help young people avoid drugs and support families dealing with addiction.

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Introducing drug tests during NYSC orientation, Marwa said, would serve as both a deterrent and a means of offering timely assistance to individuals who test positive.

“If youths know camps include drug tests, they’ll avoid it. The goal is early help for those who need it,” he stated.

The training falls under the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative, which seeks to reduce drug use and foster stronger community support systems. According to Marwa, similar policies are already being adopted by some universities and state governments, and public acceptance is growing.

He noted that the agency provides affordable testing kits to institutions and deploys trained personnel to oversee the screening process.

Despite facing resistance in some quarters, the NDLEA is also advocating for the inclusion of drug testing in other sectors, including the civil service.

While enforcement remains a major part of the agency’s mandate, Marwa acknowledged that long-term solutions require addressing the root causes of drug abuse, which he said are tied to broader social, economic, and environmental challenges.

He urged collaborative efforts among parents, educators, religious leaders, and community members to address the issue from all angles.

“NDLEA sees collaboration with NYSC and educational institutions as vital to combatting drug abuse among the youth population,” he said.

Juliet Michael, an expert in early childhood education and secretary of the National Cancer Society, welcomed the initiative, describing it as both timely and necessary.

Michael observed, “In the past, a look from parents was enough. Today, many parents struggle to connect with their children.” She attributed the decline in discipline and values to peer pressure and a lack of positive role models.

She encouraged parents to lead by example, get to know their children’s friends, and foster environments that promote positive behavior.

She added that such training sessions can reinforce moral values in families and help counter the negative influences young people face today.

“Parents must live the values they expect, as the home remains the bedrock of national change,” Michael said.

Another participant, Iyenoma Osazee, said the workshop empowered individuals to identify early signs of drug use and offer guidance towards recovery.