A heated debate recently erupted in Nigeria’s Senate following the introduction of a bill to create a new agency aimed at addressing narcotics and drug rehabilitation in the country. The bill, which seeks to establish the National Institute for Drug Awareness and Rehabilitation, has brought to light the controversial topic of drug testing for political officeholders.
The debate took a new dimension when Kano South Senator, Sumaila Kawu proposed that the appointment or election of all public office holders be subjected to mandatory drug tests. According to Kawu, drug abuse in Nigerian polity has become a worrisome trend that needs urgent attention for good governance.
Kawu made this suggestion while contributing to the general debate on the bill, sponsored by Senator Rufai Hangar from Kano Central. He claimed that some political leaders are not only drug-abusers themselves, they even use to distribute it among their own party workers during the election campaign he claimed. He said that, with drug abuse so rife in political circles the problem will not be stemmed without more regular steps and this includes testing politicians.
In his address to the Senate, Kawu made bold accusations, alleging that some lawmakers’ homes and offices are being used to stockpile illicit drugs. He emphasized that drug trafficking and consumption have become deeply ingrained in Nigerian society, particularly within the political class. He suggested that before any election or political appointment, candidates should be tested for drug use to ensure they are fit for public office.
“Drug abuse is a significant problem in Nigeria, and it’s not limited to just the youth or ordinary citizens—politicians and security operatives are equally involved. We need to take action to ensure that our leaders are not under the influence of substances that impair their judgment,” Kawu argued.
However, not all senators were in agreement with Kawu’s proposal. Senator Jibrin Barau, Deputy Senate President, quickly cut him off, citing Senate rules. Others, like Senators Seriake Dickson and Adams Oshiomhole, questioned the need for a new agency, pointing out the existence of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), which already tackles drug-related issues.
Oshiomhole expressed concerns over the proliferation of government agencies, arguing that instead of creating a new body, efforts should focus on strengthening the existing NDLEA. “We are spending so much on overheads already. I am not convinced that we need another agency when the NDLEA is capable of handling these issues,” he said.
In contrast, the proposal to test politicians for drug use has gained support from various sectors of society. Yerima Shettima, President of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), commended the idea, stating that many political leaders operate under the influence of drugs, which distorts their ability to serve the public effectively. “I believe that if drug tests were implemented, a large percentage of politicians would fail. It’s a step in the right direction,” Shettima remarked.
Lawyer and public affairs analyst Ikechukwu Onodi also weighed in, criticizing the Senate for considering the creation of another agency when the NDLEA could handle such responsibilities. “The 10th Senate has been riddled with missteps. Instead of creating more agencies, we should focus on utilizing and empowering the ones we have,” Onodi said.
Mohammed Yankwashi, a former lawmaker from Jigawa State, echoed similar sentiments. He supported the call for drug testing but suggested the Senate start with its members. “Most of our politicians are under the influence of drugs. The Senate should begin by testing itself before extending it to others,” Yankwashi said.
The discussion surrounding this proposal reflects the growing concern about the impact of drug abuse on governance and leadership in Nigeria. While the debate over the establishment of a new agency continues, the call for mandatory drug tests for politicians has gained significant attention, with many Nigerians calling for stricter oversight to ensure that those in power are in the right state of mind to lead the country effectively.
