Youth drug abuse prevention: The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohamed Marwa (rtd), has emphasized that the push for drug integrity tests for youth corps members, prospective couples, and others is not punitive, but rather aimed at discouraging substance abuse.
Marwa explained that the initiative is designed to provide early treatment for those who test positive for drugs, preventing their condition from progressing to drug dependence and other health issues.
He made this statement during a meeting with Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, the Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), who led a delegation of senior NYSC officials on a courtesy visit to the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, April 23.
Marwa highlighted the devastating impact of drug abuse on children, families, and communities across Nigeria, noting that one in seven Nigerians between the ages of 15 and 64 uses drugs.
“You have mentioned our efforts to reduce the accessibility and availability of these drugs. However, beyond that, we must collaborate with all stakeholders, including the NYSC, to significantly reduce the demand for drugs among our youth,” Marwa said. “One of our strategies to tackle this is through the drug integrity test, which we are encouraging NYSC to implement for corps members.”
He stressed that while the NDLEA works on reducing drug supply, it also focuses on drug demand reduction through preventive measures, counseling, and rehabilitation. Marwa praised the NYSC’s efforts to introduce drug abuse awareness clubs in camps, calling it an excellent initiative.
Still on Youth drug abuse prevention
He further proposed that prospective couples should be required to present a drug-free certificate before marriage. “It is always better to detect drug use early, before it escalates to addiction, which could lead to psychiatric problems, ultimately posing a danger to both the user and society,” he said.
Marwa also suggested that a significant number of corps members with backgrounds in Guidance and Counseling, Psychology, Nursing, and Psychiatry be posted to NDLEA Counseling and Treatment Centers as part of their national service. This would provide them with valuable experience in rehabilitation and psychosocial services.
In response, the NYSC Director General described the drug integrity test as a “fantastic idea” and assured Marwa that the proposal would be carefully considered for potential collaboration.
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