As the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) intensifies its campaign against drug abuse in Nigeria, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has urged the agency to begin its proposed mandatory drug testing initiative with political office holders before extending it to other groups.
This appeal, made on Thursday, April 25, 2025, was a response to NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.)’s renewed call for drug integrity testing during a courtesy visit by the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig. Gen. Olakunle Nafiu. Marwa reiterated that the tests, which have been suggested for corps members, intending couples, and students, are preventive—not punitive—measures meant to curb the rising wave of drug addiction by enabling early detection and rehabilitation.
However, NANS, through its Vice President for Inter-Campus and Gender Affairs, Akinbodunse Felicia, expressed concern over what it described as selective application of the initiative. The student body emphasized that leaders and policymakers must be subjected to the same, if not higher, standards as ordinary citizens.
In her statement, Akinbodunse lauded the NDLEA’s proactive approach but warned that targeting only youths could undermine the agency’s credibility and the integrity of its campaign.
“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.”
According to her, political leaders, including elected officials and aspirants at all levels, must lead by example, and their integrity must be beyond reproach. NANS called for legislation to institutionalize drug testing for politicians, a move it believes would foster trust, transparency, and fairness in governance.
Over the years, there have been allegations linking some political office holders to drug-related misconduct, casting shadows on the credibility of leadership in Nigeria. Akinbodunse noted that such a pattern makes it even more crucial for NDLEA to treat all sectors with equal scrutiny.
“If corps members and intending couples are being subjected to mandatory drug testing, then political aspirants—those who hold the future of millions in their hands—must be tested too,” she added.
The student leader also urged NDLEA to collaborate with the National Assembly to develop and pass a comprehensive legal framework that mandates drug testing for public officials. She stressed that such a move would help set a moral tone for governance in Nigeria and boost public confidence in the war against substance abuse.
While NDLEA’s efforts have been largely applauded—particularly its community outreach, awareness programs, and recent clampdowns on narcotics trafficking—critics argue that focusing only on specific demographics may hinder a holistic solution.
Experts in public health and civil society groups have echoed similar concerns. A Lagos-based policy analyst, Dr. Sam Oyekan, while reacting to the development, stated that public office holders must not be spared if the fight against drug abuse is to succeed.
“It’s about leading by example. A government cannot claim to be serious about tackling drugs if it exempts its own leadership class from accountability,” he said.
NANS reaffirmed its commitment to supporting all genuine efforts by NDLEA and other stakeholders to tackle the country’s drug crisis. However, it emphasized that such initiatives must be rooted in equity and inclusiveness.
“Leadership begins with responsibility,” Akinbodunse concluded. “To build a future free from the chains of drug abuse, our leaders must first be clean, both in words and in action.”
As Nigeria continues its fight against substance abuse—a challenge affecting millions of its citizens across demographics—the call from the student body adds pressure on policymakers to ensure that anti-drug initiatives are inclusive and free from bias.