NYSC Declares It Cannot Enforce Drug Tests on Corps Members Without Government Approval
Israel Adeleke
In response to a proposal by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) advocating for drug integrity tests among youths entering the NYSC scheme, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has stated that it cannot enforce drug testing for prospective Corps Members without official government authorization.
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports that the NYSC Acting Director, Caroline Embu, who made the clarification in a statement released on Thursday, while recognizing the urgency of addressing drug abuse among Nigerian youth, emphasized that the current NYSC Act does not provide a legal foundation to conduct drug tests on Corps Members.
She explained that the NYSC Director General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, reiterated this position during a recent courtesy visit to the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja.
During the visit, NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (Rtd), highlighted his agency’s growing network of rehabilitation centres and the importance of preventive measures, including potential drug screening initiatives.
Marwa disclosed that the NDLEA currently operates rehabilitation centres in 30 states and is working to establish seven more, aiming for nationwide coverage that includes all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
However, despite its current limitations, the NYSC expressed strong support for the NDLEA's mission and pledged continued cooperation.
As part of their joint efforts, both agencies are working on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that would formalise the deployment of Corps Members to NDLEA facilities, particularly for roles in counselling and rehabilitation.
OTN News further reports that this collaboration underscores a shared commitment to combating substance abuse and engaging Nigerian youths in impactful national service.
General Nafiu also commended General Marwa’s leadership at the NDLEA and acknowledged his legacy as a former Governor of Lagos State.
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