… should be taken as important as genotype testing
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Rtd. Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa, has clamoured for mandatory drug screening for intending couples, saying it should become as important as genotype testing.
Tripod Times reports that the NDLEA boss lamented cases handled by the agency, virtually everyday, involving marriages cancelled just days before the wedding because one of the intending couples tested positive for illicit drug use.
He maintained that drug abuse remains a major threat to families, communities, and national development, calling on parents, religious leaders, traditional institutions, and civil society organisations to assist in preventing substance abuse among young people.
Marwa made the call on Tuesday at the launch of the Campaign Against Drug Abuse and the signing of Executive Orders establishing the Jigawa State Task Force on Drug Abuse Control and Mass Mobilisation for Social Reorientation at the Government House, Dutse.
According to him, the screening should become as important as HIV and genotype tests before marriage.
Marwa said the situation where relationships get broken shortly before wedding when one of the intending couples is found to be abusing illicit drugs can be avoided if screenings are done early.
“Today, when our children are preparing for marriage, families routinely request HIV test results and genotype compatibility tests. Why shouldn’t we also request a drug-free certificate? This should apply to both the bride and the groom,” he added.
The NDLEA boss noted that no parent would willingly give out a daughter in marriage to a known drug addict, stressing that drug screening before marriage would help families make informed decisions and protect homes from the devastating effects of substance abuse.
While advising the Jigawa State Government to consider the initiative as part of its strategy to combat drug abuse, added that the campaign had continued to gain acceptance in different parts of the country.
He reiterated that drug abuse remains a major threat to families, communities, and national development, calling on parents, religious leaders, traditional institutions, and civil society organisations to support efforts aimed at preventing substance abuse among young people.
The NDLEA Chairman commended Governor Umar Namadi for establishing the Jigawa State Task Force on Drug Abuse Control, describing the initiative as a proactive step that other states should emulate in the fight against illicit drug use.
Commenting after the signing of the two executive orders, Governor Namadi urged members of the newly inaugurated task forces to discharge their responsibilities with integrity, dedication, and patience.
He described the fight against drug abuse and societal reorientation as long-term assignments requiring sustained commitment rather than short-term interventions.
Governor Namadi commended NDLEA Chairman Marwa for the agency’s continued partnership with the state and praised the Jigawa State Command of the NDLEA for its operational achievements, including the seizure of nearly 2,000 kilograms of illicit drugs worth over N2.8 billion and securing 136 convictions.
