NANS urges NDLEA to begin drug tests starting with politicians
On Thursday, the National Association of Nigerian Students asked the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency to include political aspirants and current officeholders in its planned compulsory drug testing programme.
Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), who serves as the NDLEA chairman, has often suggested conducting drug integrity tests on corps members, intending couples, and several other categories to fight substance abuse.
He reaffirmed this proposal on Wednesday during a courtesy visit to the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja by Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps.
He explained that the purpose of the tests is preventive rather than punitive, intended to detect drug use early and allow for treatment before it worsens into addiction or serious health issues.
But in a statement issued Thursday, NANS—through its Vice President for Inter-Campus and Gender Affairs, Akinbodunse Felicia—praised the initiative but cautioned against any signs of discrimination.
Akinbodunse stated that drug tests must also apply to political aspirants and public officials already holding federal and state positions.
“The proposed drug test is a commendable step, but it must not target only young Nigerians,” she said. “If we are to build a drug-free society, then the spotlight must also shine on those in power — those who make and enforce the laws.”
She advocated for laws that would formally establish mandatory drug screening for all individuals vying for or holding political offices.
“We applaud the NDLEA’s proactive approach to tackling drug abuse through early detection. However, promoting a drug-free society requires consistency and fairness,” Akinbodunse added.
“It is no longer news that some political officeholders have been linked to drug-related misconduct over the years. If young people are being subjected to mandatory tests before entering service or marriage, then leaders should be held to even higher standards.”
She encouraged the NDLEA to work alongside the National Assembly to quickly pass a law that enforces drug tests for everyone in political roles.
“A clean and drug-free leadership will inspire public confidence and demonstrate that no one is above accountability,” she said.
NANS reaffirmed its commitment to supporting sincere efforts to fight drug abuse but emphasized that such policies must be fair and apply to every group in society.
