The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has reported progress in its efforts to combat narcotic substance abuse, particularly with the support of sub-national governments.
NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi shared that several state governments have adopted the agency’s advocacy to make drug tests mandatory for appointees and employees.
Babafemi made these comments during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Monday.
He explained, “This advocacy has been ongoing since 2021, and many state governments are already implementing policies to ensure that anyone running for an elective office or appointed to a state government position undergoes drug testing. This is happening across various states.”
He clarified that while this is an advocacy initiative, it is not yet law, and the agency’s role is to encourage stakeholders to support it.
Babafemi also highlighted that some politicians have been prosecuted for their involvement with illegal drugs, stating, “Over the last four years, 65 drug barons, including former public officeholders, have been arrested, prosecuted, and convicted. We are not naming individuals to avoid stigmatization.”
He further revealed that some of those arrested had held local government positions, and many high-profile individuals are still under prosecution.
Beyond politics, Babafemi mentioned that employers and tertiary institutions are also implementing drug tests as part of their recruitment and admission processes.
“This is happening not only in politics and employment but also among young people seeking admission to tertiary institutions, as part of efforts to reduce demand for illicit substances,” he said.
He also noted that the agency is advocating for prospective couples to undergo drug tests, with traditional and religious institutions beginning to support the initiative.
