NDLEA's Buba Marwa Advocates Drug Tests for Couples

Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), proposed mandatory drug screening for intending couples to address substance abuse and prevent marital breakdowns. This proposal was made during a stakeholders’ engagement meeting in Benin City, Edo State, on a Thursday.

Marwa highlighted that substance abuse significantly contributes to domestic crises and that premarital drug screening could help couples identify potential issues before marriage. He reiterated the Federal Government's stance on mandatory drug testing for tertiary institution students and announced collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to implement drug screening for commercial drivers, citing road safety concerns.

Marwa also advocated for drug education in schools and the establishment of War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) clubs to educate youth about the dangers of substance abuse. Additionally, he called for a ban on the open sale of pharmaceutical opioids and drug-laced concoctions.

The meeting included dignitaries such as Brig.-Gen. Ahmed Balogun and CP Patrick Daaor.