A day after the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) proposed mandatory drug testing for prospective corps members, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has responded that its enabling Act lacks the legal framework for such tests.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the NYSC Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, acknowledged the importance of tackling drug abuse but said that the agency cannot implement such a policy without official approval from the government.
Embu explained that the NYSC Director General, Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, said that any such initiative would first need to be adopted as a formal government policy.
Persecondnews recalls that NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa raised the issue during a courtesy visit by Nafiu to the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday.
During the visit, Marwa announced that the NDLEA operates rehabilitation centres in 30 states, with plans to establish seven more, achieving full coverage across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Although the NYSC is currently unable to conduct drug testing, it reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the NDLEA.
Both agencies are drafting a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalize their collaboration, which includes deploying corps members to support NDLEA’s counseling and rehabilitation centers.
This partnership highlights a shared commitment to addressing drug-related challenges in Nigeria, while actively involving young people in meaningful community service.
Nafiu also commended Marwa for his exemplary leadership as former Military Governor of Lagos State(1996 – 1999) and for his impactful contributions as NDLEA head.
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