The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has commended the Federal Government and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) over the introduction of mandatory drug testing for students in secondary and tertiary institutions nationwide.

The group described the policy as a timely response to the growing challenge of substance abuse among young Nigerians.

In a statement issued yesterday by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA said the policy represented “a bold, preventive and forward-looking intervention” capable of reducing early exposure of students to hard drugs if properly implemented.

The commendation followed the Federal Government’s recent announcement of compulsory drug screening for students as part of wider efforts to curb drug dependency, improve mental health outcomes and strengthen discipline within schools.

HURIWA noted that Nigeria had in recent years witnessed a rise in cases of substance abuse among adolescents and undergraduates, warning that the trend poses serious risks to public safety, academic performance and national development.

The organisation particularly praised the leadership of the NDLEA under Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd), stating that the agency had intensified enforcement, sensitisation campaigns and rehabilitation programmes in the fight against drug trafficking and abuse.

According to the group, the agency’s sustained crackdown on drug cartels and awareness campaigns in schools and communities had strengthened the national response to substance abuse.

“The NDLEA has remained consistent in its fight against drug abuse, and the Federal Government’s adoption of mandatory drug testing for students is a commendable policy direction that strengthens prevention at the grassroots,” the statement said.

HURIWA, however, urged the Federal Government to bear the financial cost of implementing the policy, arguing that parents and students should not face additional financial burdens in complying with a national health and safety initiative.

The group also stressed the need for strict confidentiality in handling test results, warning that disclosure of sensitive information could expose affected students to stigma, discrimination and emotional distress.

It advised the government to implement the policy in line with global best practices by combining drug screening with counselling, rehabilitation and psychological support instead of relying solely on punitive measures.

The organisation further called on the National Assembly to strengthen funding and institutional support for the NDLEA to ensure effective implementation of anti-drug programmes in schools and communities.

It also appealed to parents, teachers, religious leaders and civil society organisations to support the initiative, noting that tackling drug abuse requires collective responsibility.

HURIWA said substance abuse among youths remained a major driver of crime, insecurity and social instability, adding that early intervention through schools would play a critical role in addressing the problem.

The group pledged continued support for awareness campaigns aimed at educating young Nigerians on the dangers of drug abuse while urging authorities to ensure that implementation of the policy prioritises dignity, fairness and protection of students’ rights.