Anglican Synod seeks drug tests for public office seekers

The Church of Nigeria, part of the Anglican Communion, has proposed a constitutional amendment to mandate drug and substance abuse testing for those in public office and those running for elective or appointed positions. This recommendation came during the 15th General Synod of the Church, held from September 14 to 18, 2026, at Our Saviour’s Church in Ikenne, Ogun State.

Signatories to the communiqué, issued at the conclusion of the Synod, included the Church's General Secretary, Ven. Festus Chukwunyere; the Dean, Most Rev. Blessing Enyindah; and the Primate, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba.

The Church expressed grave concern over the escalating issue of drug trafficking, substance abuse, and addiction in Nigeria, particularly among the youth. These problems are increasingly associated with violence, insecurity, gang activities, and adverse effects on mental health, family welfare, and the economy. To address this, the Synod called for enhanced public education, prevention programs, enforcement measures, rehabilitation, and reintegration initiatives, advocating for collaboration among government, schools, families, communities, the Church, and relevant agencies.

Moreover, the Church urged consideration of a constitutional amendment mandating credible and periodic drug and substance abuse testing for public officials and candidates for public office, with penalties for those found in violation. The Synod also tackled broader issues such as insecurity, economic challenges, healthcare, education, food security, and national unity, urging Nigerians, political leaders, and parties to prioritize national unity, peace, and the common good over partisan interests during the upcoming 2027 general elections.

The Synod urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to maintain neutrality, transparency, and credibility in election processes, and called for the judiciary to remain impartial in election-related matters.

Regarding insecurity, the Church appealed to all levels of government to enhance intelligence gathering, improve surveillance of ungoverned areas, and reclaim territories controlled by terrorists. Furthermore, the Synod voiced concern over Nigeria's worsening food crisis, which it attributed to conflict, climate change, hyperinflation, and rising agricultural costs.

The Church urged the government to reinforce security in farming regions, invest in modern agricultural techniques, offer low-interest loans for farming, transparently subsidize agricultural inputs, reduce post-harvest losses, and establish a transparent Agriculture Trust Fund. The Church emphasized that empowering farmers is crucial to feeding the nation.