2 weeks Ago By Ado Oyeyemi
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to expand its proposed drug testing initiative to include political office holders and aspirants at all levels. This comes after NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen.
Buba Marwa (retd.), reiterated the agency’s push for mandatory drug integrity testing for prospective couples, NYSC corps members, and other groups as a strategy to combat drug abuse in Nigeria. Marwa made the remarks on Wednesday during a courtesy visit by NYSC Director-General, Brig.
Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja. He explained that the goal of the initiative is not punitive, but preventive—offering early intervention to individuals at risk of addiction and long-term health complications.
In a statement on Thursday, NANS Vice President for Inter-Campus and Gender Affairs, Akinbodunse Felicia, expressed support for the initiative but warned against its selective application. “Drug testing should not be limited to youths. If we are serious about addressing drug abuse, then our leaders—especially those who create and enforce laws—must also be subject to the same scrutiny,” she stated.
Akinbodunse called for legislative backing to institutionalize mandatory drug testing for all political aspirants and public office holders, stressing that leadership free from drug influence is vital to national development. “Nigerians deserve to be led by individuals who are mentally and physically sound. If drug testing is required for marriage and national service, our leaders should be held to even higher standards,” she added.
She also urged the NDLEA to partner with the National Assembly to fast-track the passage of a bill enforcing this requirement for political figures. “A drug-free leadership will strengthen public trust and show that accountability is a shared responsibility,” Akinbodunse said. NANS reaffirmed its commitment to initiatives aimed at tackling drug abuse but emphasized that such efforts must be comprehensive and fairly implemented across all sectors of society.
.
