Act fast to combat drug abuse fueling insecurity – Momodu

From Paul Orude, Bauchi

A retired Deputy Commander General of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr Sule Momodu, has called on the National Assembly to enact a law mandating compulsory drug integrity tests for key segments of the population, including teachers, students, drivers, and politicians.

Speaking in an interview with The Sun, Momodu emphasised that drug abuse poses a serious threat to national security and societal well-being. He argued that implementing routine NDLEA drug integrity tests for these groups would serve as a critical step in curbing the drug abuse epidemic in Nigeria.

“There should be legislation mandating drug integrity tests for secondary school teachers and lecturers and students in universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education,” Momodu stated.

He also recommended that politicians be subjected to mandatory drug testing, noting that leaders must lead by example in the fight against drug abuse. “The National Assembly must take decisive action by passing legislation to make these tests compulsory,” he said.

In addition, Momodu proposed that commercial drivers should undergo NDLEA drug tests both before obtaining and when renewing their driver’s licences. He stressed that this would help reduce road accidents and enhance public safety.

The former NDLEA Technical Services Director further advocated for the establishment of drug-free clubs in all secondary and tertiary institutions as a preventive strategy to discourage youth involvement in drug abuse.

Expressing concern over the growing prevalence of drug use, Momodu warned that the scourge may be contributing to the rise in terrorism, banditry, and other criminal activities across the country.