Leadnaija
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has called for the mandatory drug testing of all prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) as part of measures to combat the rising trend of drug abuse among Nigerian youth.
The NDLEA made the recommendation on Saturday, stating that the move would help identify and rehabilitate individuals with substance abuse issues before they are deployed for national service.
According to NDLEA officials, the agency is engaging with relevant government stakeholders to ensure the policy is adopted and implemented nationwide.
“This is not about stigmatization; it is about early detection and proper care. The NYSC scheme is a vital stage in nation-building, and we cannot afford to have drug use undermine its objectives,” an official said.
The proposal has already sparked public debate, with some Nigerians supporting the move as a proactive measure, while others raise concerns over privacy and the logistics of nationwide testing.
The NYSC management has yet to issue an official response to the NDLEA’s recommendation.
More details shortly…
