The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has proposed that the Christian Association of Nigeria and the Ja’amatu Nasril Islam demand that intending couples in the organisations undergo drug tests. 

Chairman of NDLEA, Buba Marwa said this during a meeting with the Plateau Chapters of CAN and the JNI to collaborate on ways to partner.

Mr Marwa met separately with the leadership of the two religious bodies on Thursday in Jos, and urged them to introduce drug tests as a criteria before marriage.

According to him, the two religious bodies have key roles to play in ending the rising spate of drug peddling and consumption in the country.

He said conducting drug test for intending couples waa strategic towards curbing the consumption of illicit substances among young people.

“The rise in drug abuse particularly among young Nigerians is alarming.

“Both Muslims and Christians take illicit substances; there is no religion or community that is exempted.

“This is why we have decided to pay you this advocacy visit to seek your support and cooperation in dealing with this menace

“But most importantly, we want to appeal that just like HIV, Hepatitis and other tests are compulsory for intending couples, we want you to include drug test as part of conditions before marriage.

“We strongly believe that such move will go a long way to curtail the way young people abuse drugs in the society,” he said.

Mr Marwa further urged the religious leaders to include drug teachings in their sermons, Sunday school manuals and catechism.

In his response, Polycarp Lubo, Chairman of CAN in Plateau, told Mr Marwa that the “drugs test for intending couples; it is a welcome idea.

“That will reduce the domestics violence that we face in our homes today and as a church, we will look into it with serious urgency

“I want to assure you that Christians in Plateau will support you to succeed,” Mr Lubo said. 

Auwalu Nura, who spoke on behalf of JNI, also promised to support the NDLEA succeed in its war against drug abuse in the society.

The NDLEA boss also met with the leadership of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Luxurious Bus owners, among other transport unions in the state.

(NAN)