The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA has advocated for a drug test to be carried out on all Nigerians to enable the Agency to provide help for those who need treatment and rehabilitation and also serve as deterrence to others.
The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig. General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), made the call while signing a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with a firm, Primly Services Limited for the supply of free drug test kits.
Marwa noted that the current push to conduct drug tests on politicians, workers and students is necessary.
“Practically, all Nigerians should be subjected to drug tests, politicians, students, workers and all. We have set the ball rolling at the agency because charity begins at home.”
“This will enable us know those afflicted, who need treatment and rehabilitation. Equally, it will deter drug abuse because if you know that the result of a drug test will hamper your progression in school, political career or at work, it will deter you. In the same vein, we do expect parents to make sure their children don’t get married to addicts by insisting on drug tests before marriage,” he explained.
Marwa, while expressing happiness that the MoU is finally signed almost three years after the federal government had approved the deal, said, “at the centre of drug demand reduction is drug testing.”
Gen. Marwa expressed delight in the readiness of the Managing Director of Primly Services Ltd, Dr. Vincent Udenze to always contribute to efforts to rid Nigeria of illicit substances.
Thanking the firm for its professionalism and willingness to partner with NDLEA in fighting the drug scourge afflicting the country, Marwa said apart from the high quality of the test kits, they are coming at no cost to the agency, adding that the company will only recover its cost from testing.
“We should continue to look for more ways of cooperation to make Nigeria a drug-free nation, which is a task that must be done,” Marwa said.
Speaking earlier, Managing Director of Primly Services Ltd, Dr. Vincent Udenze said apart from the test kits coming to NDLEA at no cost, “we will ensure that the kits are one of the best in the country and we will not fail in our duty in this regard.”
Nnenna.O
