The recent proposal by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for regular drug testing of Nigerian lawmakers has sparked a critical conversation about accountability, transparency, and the state of governance in Nigeria. In a country long plagued by systemic corruption, political scandals, and public mistrust in leadership, this call for drug testing is not just a provocative suggestion—it’s a necessary measure to ensure that those tasked with shaping the nation’s laws are operating with clarity, integrity, and the best interests of the people in mind. Drawing on the context of Nigeria’s political landscape, this article explores why mandatory drug testing for lawmakers is a vital step toward restoring public trust and fostering effective governance.
Nigeria’s political history is marred by corruption, with an estimated $400 billion lost to graft since independence, as reported by Wikipedia. The oil and gas sector, which accounts for over 90% of Nigeria’s export revenues, has long been a breeding ground for corrupt practices, often involving politicians who leverage their positions for personal gain. This systemic corruption has eroded public trust in governance, with institutions like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) facing criticism for failing to submit proper account reports, as noted in the web search results. The 2024 Chatham House survey further revealed that 61% of Nigerian households believe judges are likely to accept bribes, a statistic that underscores the pervasive lack of faith in public officials.