Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency's chairman and chief executive officer, has reaffirmed the agency's demand that corps members submit to drug testing, characterising the program as a preventive rather than a punitive tool.  

Marwa underlined the pressing need to reduce drug misuse among Nigerian young during a courtesy visit to the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja by senior NYSC officials and Brig. Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, the Director General of the National young Service Corps.  

NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi confirmed the visit in a statement on Wednesday.  

Marwa pointed out that early identification and intervention are specifically targeted by the planned drug integrity test, which has generated conflicting responses online.

“This is not a punitive action,” he stressed. “The goal is prevention—helping individuals before drug use escalates into addiction.”

Citing data from national drug surveys, he revealed, “One in seven Nigerians aged 15 to 64 is involved in drug use. The drug scourge continues to ravage our families and communities. There is no part of this country untouched by the crisis.”

He claims that the NDLEA employs a two-pronged approach that lowers demand through counselling, education, and rehabilitation while simultaneously lowering supply.

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