 is proposing mandatory drug screening for all prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) as part of efforts to combat rising drug abuse among young Nigerians.){kind=link}
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) is proposing mandatory drug screening for all prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) as part of efforts to combat rising drug abuse among young Nigerians.
NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (retd.), emphasized this during a “Training the Trainer” programme held in Abuja on Saturday.
The event was organized in collaboration with Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries to equip religious and community leaders with the knowledge and tools needed to prevent substance abuse and support families affected by addiction.
Speaking through the agency’s Director of Drug Demand Reduction, Mrs. Ngozi Madubuike, Marwa explained that incorporating drug testing into NYSC orientation camps would not only discourage drug use but also allow for early intervention and rehabilitation for those who test positive.
This initiative falls under the broader “War Against Drug Abuse” campaign and aligns with existing efforts already embraced by some universities and state governments.
According to NDLEA, the agency supplies affordable testing kits and provides trained personnel to carry out screenings in schools and other institutions.
Marwa stressed that knowing drug tests are part of the NYSC process may deter prospective corps members from using drugs.
More importantly, he said, it creates an opportunity to provide timely help to those battling addiction.
Beyond enforcement and prosecution, the NDLEA’s strategy also focuses on education, prevention, and community involvement.
Marwa called for a collective response, noting that drug abuse is fueled by social and economic factors that require action from families, educators, religious leaders, and the wider society.
Parents, he said, must take a more active role by talking openly with their children, observing their social circles and online activities, and instilling strong values at home.
Child development expert and National Cancer Society secretary, Juliet Michael, welcomed the NDLEA’s initiative, saying it comes at a time when moral foundations in many families are weakening.
She emphasized the importance of parents leading by example and creating environments where positive behavior is encouraged.
“Children today face different pressures,” she said. “Parents must step up by engaging more, being accessible, and modeling the discipline they expect.”
Another participant, Iyenoma Osazee, added that the training is empowering communities to recognize early signs of drug use and guide affected individuals toward proper treatment and rehabilitation.