Omotayo Adigun
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has urged the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to broaden the scope of its proposed mandatory drug testing initiative.
While commending the NDLEA’s focus on corps members and prospective couples, NANS advocated for the inclusion of all political office holders and individuals seeking elective positions in the mandatory drug integrity tests.
The call from NANS follows an announcement by the NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), who on Wednesday advocated for drug integrity tests for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, prospective couples, and other segments of the population.
Marwa, speaking during a courtesy visit from the Director-General of the NYSC, Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja, clarified that the proposed tests were intended as preventative measures to discourage substance abuse and facilitate early intervention and treatment for individuals testing positive.
In a statement released on Thursday, Felicia Akinbodunse, the Vice President Inter-Campus and Gender Affairs of NANS, acknowledged the commendable nature of the NDLEA’s initiative. However, she emphasized that such a policy must be universally applied and not appear discriminatory towards young people.
Akinbodunse specifically called on the NDLEA to extend the mandatory drug integrity tests to individuals aspiring to and currently holding political offices at both the national and state levels. Furthermore, NANS urged the enactment of legislation to institutionalize mandatory drug testing for all political aspirants and public office holders.
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“We commend the NDLEA for its commitment to combating drug abuse through early detection and preventive strategies,” the NANS statement read. “However, if we must truly promote a drug-free society, the spotlight must also shine on those in positions of power and influence.”
The statement further highlighted long-standing allegations linking some political office holders to drug use and related misconduct.
NANS argued that if young Nigerians are expected to undergo drug tests before national service or marriage, then those seeking to lead the nation and legislate laws should be held to even higher standards.
“This will not only reflect fairness but also demonstrate leadership by example,” Akinbodunse asserted. “We urge the NDLEA to work with the National Assembly to ensure that such a law is passed without delay. A clean and drug-free leadership class will inspire confidence and truly show that no one is above accountability.”
NANS reiterated its support for all genuine efforts aimed at tackling substance abuse in Nigeria but insisted on the equitable implementation of any such policy across all sectors and social strata.