The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Buba Marwa (retd), is pushing for a bold new strategy in the fight against drug abuse: mandatory drug integrity tests for prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and intending couples.
Marwa made the proposal during a public engagement session focused on youth and substance abuse. He expressed deep concern over the increasing prevalence of drug use among young Nigerians, warning that the country risks losing its next generation to addiction if strong preventive measures aren’t adopted.
“It’s time we start making drug tests part of our national culture,” he said. “We must know who we are sending to serve the country, and who is entering into marriage to build the future generation.”
According to Marwa, the idea isn’t about punishment but prevention. The goal is to discourage drug use by raising the stakes and creating accountability. He added that if implemented, the tests could become a model for other sectors, helping to change attitudes and reduce demand for illicit substances.
While the proposal is still at a conceptual stage, it has already sparked public debate. Supporters say it could curb drug use early and promote healthier lifestyles, while critics raise concerns about privacy and the need for proper implementation frameworks.
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