NANS leadership visits Marwa, backs drug war, Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda

...NDLEA boss explains rationale behind drug integrity test for students

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has expressed full support for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency's (NDLEA) ongoing efforts to rid Nigeria of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.

Led by their National President, Comrade Sola Oladoja, they made the commitment on Tuesday, during a courtesy visit to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.

Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, made this known in a statement available to reporters on Wednesday.

According to the statement, they also reaffirmed their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and his 2027 re-election bid.

During the visit, Oladoja commended Marwa for his dynamic leadership and the agency’s sustained successes against drug cartels.

He specifically lauded the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) social advocacy initiative, noting that it has played a key role in raising awareness across tertiary institutions and safeguarding Nigerian students' lives.

Reaffirming NANS’ support for the NDLEA and the Renewed Hope Agenda, Oladoja stated that the association’s backing of the current administration is based on tangible pro-youth achievements.

These, he said, include the implementation of student loans, the resolution of industrial strikes in tertiary institutions, and various youth empowerment programs.

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In his response, Marwa expressed pride in the Nigerian student body, noting that his relationship with them has remained strong due to their consistent support across his national assignments.

“As a critical sector of the Nigerian polity, what you said about your appreciation of the gains of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and your commitment to support his re-election in 2027 gladdens my heart,” he said.

Addressing the challenge of drug abuse in schools, the NDLEA boss emphasized the need for collaboration to sanitize the academic environment.

“We need to work with you on our efforts to rid our campuses of drug abuse because of the consequences to students’ health, their aspirations, and even their families, as well as society at large,” Marwa added.

Speaking on the Federal Government’s recently introduced Drug Integrity Test Policy for students, Marwa explained that the measure is protective rather than punitive.

According to him, the policy is designed in the best interest of young people, as early detection of drug use makes treatment and rehabilitation more effective.

The visit ended with a renewed commitment by both NDLEA and NANS to strengthen their partnership in the campaign against substance abuse on Nigerian campuses.