The Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency(NDLEA) has decided to initiate a policy that will make it compulsory for single ladies to get tested for drug before marriage.
This was disclosed by Mustapha Abdalla, the NDLEA chairman, during the destruction of illicit substances seized in Maiduguri, Borno state capital on Friday, August 21.
According to the Chairman who raised concern over the rate of drug consumption among ladies and married women, opined that, the recent statistics show that drug trafficking and abuse which was rampant among the male population, is increasing within teenage girls, young women, and old married women.
The Chairman while speaking said “As an extension of the proposed Drugs Integrity Test Policy in the public service, the NDLEA is also considering partnering with religious leaders to make drug test a prerequisite for marriage in Churches and Mosques just as the case of HIV/AIDS and genotype test” adding that “We can no longer remain indifferent to the problems and refused to take responsibility in an effort to control drugs. We must come to terms that drugs issue is a shared responsibility for all in the society”.
“Government at all levels, community and religious leaders, parents, social workers, the media, youth organisations and policy makers should see it as a point of duty to come together and identify with our office in the efforts of combating drug abuse” he further reiterated.
In conclusion, Mustapha said drug test should be one of the marriage requirements in churches and mosques, which will help in curbing and curtailing the rate of drug consumption among ladies.
By Chinenye Gertrude
GGB reports
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