The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it is considering a new policy that will make drug testing a prerequisite for marriage in churches and mosques.

Chairman of the agency, Mohammed Mustapha Abdalla, disclosed this during the destruction of illicit substances seized in Maiduguri, Borno state capital, on Friday, August 21.

According to Abdalla, drug tests may have to be included in premarital screenings in churches and mosques, just as the case of HIV/AIDS and genotype testing.

He added that drug issue is a shared responsibility for all in the society , hence all should come together and identify with their office effort of combating drug abuse.

He said;

“As an extension of the proposed Drugs Integrity Test Policy in the public service, the NDLEA is also considering partnering with religious leaders to make drug test a prerequisite for marriage in Churches and Mosques just as the case of HIV/AIDS and genotype test.

We can no longer remain indifferent to the problems and refused to take responsibility in an effort to control drugs, we must come to term that drugs issue is a shared responsibility for all in the society.

Government at all levels, community and religious leaders, parents, social workers, the media, youth organisations and policy makers should see it as a point of duty to come together and identify with our office efforts of combating drug abuse.”