The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has proposed a mandatory drug integrity test for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members as part of efforts to discourage substance abuse and provide early treatment for those who test positive.
According to the NDLEA Chairman, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa, the initiative aims to reduce the demand for drugs among youths and address the growing problem of substance abuse in the country. Marwa stated that one in seven Nigerians between the ages of 15 and 64 use drugs, highlighting the need for collaborative efforts to tackle the issue.
The NDLEA also proposes posting corps members with relevant qualifications, such as Guidance and Counselling, Psychology, Nursing, and Psychiatry, to NDLEA Counselling and Treatment Centres across the country. This would enable them to acquire knowledge and experience in rehabilitation and psychosocial services.
The NYSC Director General, Brig Gen Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, has expressed interest in the proposal and promised to study it for possible collaboration. The two agencies have agreed to strengthen their partnership in addressing substance abuse and promoting national development.
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