NDLEA Chairman, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd.), disclosed this at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja following his reappointment for a second five-year term.
He explained that the new screening policy is intended to identify drug use at an early stage and prevent young people from slipping into addiction. According to him, the Ministry of Education has formally approved the agency’s proposal.
“The Honourable Minister of Education has accepted our recommendation for drug tests for our children upon admission into tertiary institutions, so that we can detect early and intervene before drug use escalates into addiction,” Marwa said.
He noted that the initiative forms part of a wider preventive framework designed to discourage drug abuse while encouraging legal and productive alternatives for young people.
Marwa added that the agency will continue to support the licit cultivation of legal crops, describing it as a more responsible and sustainable livelihood option.
Reaffirming the NDLEA’s commitment to prevention, awareness, counselling, treatment, and rehabilitation, Marwa highlighted ongoing efforts to expand rehabilitation services across the country. He revealed that, with support from the president under the Renewed Hope Agenda, seven additional rehabilitation centres have been budgeted for in 2025, ensuring that every state will soon have its own facility.
The NDLEA chairman also issued a stern warning to drug traffickers and individuals engaged in illicit drug operations.
“Those who refuse to desist can be certain that the NDLEA is up to the task. You will be arrested, your drugs will be seized, and your assets will be forfeited,” he warned.
