The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has launched a new digital platform that will make its drug integrity test and visa clearance process seamless, more accessible, and help curb the scourge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria.
The portal was unveiled at a press conference to flag off the digitisation of the agency’s Drug Integrity Test and Visa E-Administration System (DITViCAS) yesterday in Abuja.
Speaking at the forum, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), said the symbolic launch signifies “a paradigm shift in the fight against the scourge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.” He said it was a moment where enforcement meets efficiency, and commitment merges with cutting-edge technology.
Represented by the agency’s Secretary, Shadrach Haruna, he said in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the agency has maintained an aggressive, balanced, and uncompromising approach to tackling the scourge of illicit substances, with a focus on two critical fronts: drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction.
“For years, the process of obtaining an NDLEA visa clearance certificate, required by certain source and transit countries, has been characterised by documentation, physical appearances, and lengthy verification cycles. This manual process was no doubt prone to human interference, delays, and a host of other issues. We are bringing an end to those bottlenecks. The system delivers automation across all processes and operations associated with the administration of the drug integrity test and visa clearance, with interfaces for effective collaboration with partner agencies,” he said.
He added: “It is also important to note that we have made provision on the system for private medical centres to partner with the agency as accredited centres for the drug integrity test. The system brings efficiency, flexibility, and convenience to the process. Following this ceremony, applicants for the drug integrity test and visa clearance can now apply from home and choose any preferred location, booking a date convenient and available for both the applicant and the desk officer of the NDLEA, without having to go and wait the whole day at the NDLEA office.
“With the e-certification and verification system, it also eliminates drug and visa clearance certificate falsifications and establishes the reliability and transparency of the process with supervisory dashboards across our commands, formations, and at the headquarters.”
The extension of the service to students of tertiary institutions and others, he said, is to significantly foster drug demand reduction across the country without any attempt to stigmatise any student or anyone, while rehabilitation and counsellingcentres are open for those who test positive to ensure that no one is left without care.
The NDLEA boss further explained that the essence of the platform is to integrate sophisticated background check protocols, ensuring that the certificate remains a robust security instrument that safeguards Nigeria’s international reputation and prevents drug syndicates from exploiting legitimate travel channels.
He said: “This new digital portal allows institutions, organisations, and individuals, including parents and prospective couples, to apply for drug integrity tests seamlessly. It provides a verified, standardised, and secure process for testing and issuing certificates.
“It is a non-judgmental pathway designed to support our national drive for Demand Reduction, fostering healthier communities, safer workplaces, and a more secure national labour force. This is the future of our War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign: proactive, compassionate, and data-driven.”
