The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) are exploring the implementation of drug tests for commercial drivers as part of efforts to tackle drug abuse and trafficking in the transport sector.
This was disclosed during a courtesy visit by NARTO executives to the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, where the association expressed readiness to collaborate closely with the anti-narcotics agency.
Speaking during the meeting, NARTO National President, Alhaji Yusuf Lawal Othman, said the visit was both purposeful and timely, reflecting the transport body’s commitment to curbing the misuse of vehicles for illegal drug activities.
“Our trucks and passenger vehicles traverse every region of the country, serving as vital arteries of commerce,” Othman said. “But we also acknowledge that these same routes are sometimes exploited by criminal elements to traffic illicit substances.”
He said NARTO was determined to reverse that trend and welcomed deeper collaboration with NDLEA to safeguard the nation’s roads.
According to NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, the proposed collaboration includes:
- Sensitisation and training of drivers to identify and report suspicious activities
- Joint intelligence-sharing initiatives
- Deployment of NDLEA liaison officers to key transport depots and parks
- Public awareness campaigns targeting both drivers and passengers
Responding, NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), expressed strong support for the partnership, noting the importance of vigilance within the road transport system.
“I’m glad you’re concerned about the drug problem in Nigeria. We are more than ready to collaborate with NARTO at your parks and depots,” Marwa said.
He advised road transport owners to conduct thorough background checks before hiring drivers, warning that vehicles used in drug trafficking could be confiscated or lost to accidents caused by drug-impaired drivers.
