The National Association of Nigerian Students on Thursday called on the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency to extend its proposed mandatory drug testing initiative to political office holders and aspirants.
NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), had repeatedly proposed drug integrity tests for corps members, prospective couples, and other groups, as part of efforts to curb substance abuse.
Marwa restated the call on Wednesay during a courtesy visit by the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, to the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja.
He clarified that the tests were not punitive but preventive, aimed at early detection and treatment for individuals who test positive, to prevent their conditions from deteriorating into addiction or serious health complications.
However, in a statement on Thursday, NANS, through its Vice President for Inter-Campus and Gender Affairs, Akinbodunse Felicia, commended the NDLEA’s initiative but warned against any form of selectivity.
According to Akinbodunse, the same drug integrity test should be applied to individuals seeking elective positions and those currently serving in public office at both federal and state levels.
“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.”
She called for legislation that would institutionalise mandatory drug testing for all political aspirants and public office holders.
“We applaud the NDLEA’s proactive approach to tackling drug abuse through early detection. However, promoting a drug-free society requires consistency and fairness,” Akinbodunse added.
“It is no longer news that some political office holders have been linked to drug-related misconduct over the years. If young people are being subjected to mandatory tests before entering service or marriage, then leaders should be held to even higher standards.”
She urged the NDLEA to collaborate with the National Assembly to ensure swift passage of a law mandating drug testing for all political actors.
“A clean and drug-free leadership will inspire public confidence and demonstrate that no one is above accountability,” she said.
NANS reiterated its support for all genuine efforts to combat substance abuse but stressed that such policies must be inclusive, covering all sectors and social classes equally.
