NDLEA Moves To Enforce Drug Tests For Driver’s Licence Applicants

According to Ireporter Online, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has proposed mandatory drug integrity tests for drivers applying for licences, as part of ongoing efforts to reduce drug-related road accidents across the country.

The Chairman of the NDLEA, retired Brigadier-General Buba Marwa, made this known in a goodwill message delivered at the National Summit of the Special Marshals of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on Wednesday in Abuja. Represented by Deputy Commandant General of Narcotics, Umoru Ambrose, Marwa described the NDLEA and FRSC as “partners in progress,” noting that while the Corps is tasked with preventing accidents and assisting victims, the NDLEA focuses on tackling the root causes of crashes, including substance abuse, alongside addressing wider security and health issues.

He revealed that research over the years has shown that drug abuse significantly contributes to the high rate of accidents on Nigerian highways. To tackle this, NDLEA and FRSC are finalising a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which he said would soon be unveiled for the benefit of the public.

Marwa explained that one of the major highlights of the MoU is the introduction of drug integrity tests for drivers. He added that while the agency has already initiated drug tests in several organisations, extending the initiative to the transport sector has become necessary in view of FRSC’s critical role in road safety.

He stressed that drivers should be subjected to drug tests even before applying for their licences, noting that the NDLEA has trained experts who will in turn train FRSC officials to conduct on-the-spot drug checks on drivers.

The NDLEA boss maintained that the initiative would serve as a deterrent to commercial drivers who indulge in alcohol and other psychoactive substances while on duty. He further disclosed that the collaboration would empower both NDLEA and FRSC operatives to jointly assess drivers and passengers during highway operations.