By Ibironke Ariyo
The NGO AKH-TRACADA (Anti-Kidnapping, Trafficking in Persons, Child Abuse and Drug Abuse Initiative) has called on the NDLEA to introduce mandatory drug testing in key national institutions and implement road safety protocols in Nigeria.
The founder and CEO of the NGO, Belonwu Ezeanyaeche, announced this decision in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Thursday. He explained that the test is mandatory for candidates of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
He urged that professional drivers, especially truck and bus drivers, be tested before their licences are issued or renewed, stressing that such testing should be carried out every six months. He explained that this would ensure the safety of road users and reduce the number of preventable road accidents.
“A driver under the influence of drugs or illicit substances exposes him/herself to serious risks such as falling asleep at the wheel, speeding, loss of consciousness, dangerous overtaking and lapses in judgement, which contribute significantly to daily road fatalities,” he explained.
He pointed out that data from road safety and public health stakeholders indicate that human error, directly related to drug abuse and use of psychotropic substances, is responsible for over 95% of road accidents in Nigeria.
He added that integrating a drug testing system into the education sector would not only combat drug abuse but also curb sectarianism.
Ezeanyaeche added that this would also reduce criminal tendencies and create a safer and more ethical school environment.
“NDLEA’s mandatory drug testing for students preparing for examinations will reduce drug use and abuse, improve mental and cognitive health, and promote academic performance,” he explained.
The NGO director stressed that early detection would help protect Nigerian youth from exposure to psychoactive substances due to social pressure, sectarian activities, poverty, and exploitation.
He added that the drug testing policy would contribute to combating human trafficking, child abuse, and other related crimes by addressing one of their root causes.
He called on the Ministries of Education, Youth Development, Transportation, and Health to work with NDLEA and civil society organizations to create a cross-sectoral implementation framework.
“We must treat this as a national emergency. Drug-free youth are a catalyst for national change. Schools, testing centres and even transport unions must work together to protect our future and our roads,” he added.
Ezeanyaeche also called on transport sector stakeholders to join this initiative, stressing that public support is key to building a safer, healthier and more productive society.
He reiterated AKH-TRACADA’s commitment to working with relevant government agencies to ensure that drug testing becomes a permanent policy in Nigeria.
