Abuja: The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has inaugurated a digital platform that would make its drug integrity test and visa clearance processes seamless.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the development would also make it more accessible and ultimately curb the scourge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria.
The NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa, unveiled the portal at a press conference to herald the digitisation of the agency’s Drug Integrity Test and Visa E-Administration System (DITViCAS). Marwa declared that the symbolic launch signified a paradigm shift in the agency’s fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking, where enforcement meets efficiency, and commitment merges with cutting-edge technology.
Represented by the agency’s Secretary, Shadrach Haruna, Marwa stated that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda. The agency has maintained an aggressive, balanced, and uncompromising approach to tackling the scourge of illicit substances, focusing on Drug Supply Reduction and Drug Demand Reduction.
Marwa explained that the manual process of obtaining an NDLEA Visa Clearance Certificate had been prone to human interference and delays. With the launch of the Online Visa Clearance Portal, these bottlenecks will be eliminated. The system automates all processes associated with the administration of the Drug Integrity Test and Visa Clearance, with interfaces for effective collaboration with partner agencies.
The system allows for private medical centres to partner with the agency as accredited centres for the Drug Integrity Test, bringing efficiency, flexibility, and convenience to the process. Applicants can now apply from home, book convenient appointments, and avoid lengthy waits at NDLEA offices. The E-Certification and Verification system eliminates certificate falsifications and ensures the reliability and transparency of the process.
Marwa highlighted that extending the service to students of tertiary institutions and others significantly fosters drug demand reduction without stigmatizing anyone. Rehabilitation and counselling centres are open for those who test positive to ensure no one is left without care.
The platform integrates sophisticated background check protocols, ensuring that the certificate remains a robust security instrument safeguarding Nigeria’s international reputation. It prevents drug syndicates from exploiting legitimate travel channels, demonstrating a commitment to stress-free, integrity-driven public service delivery.
Applicants can log on to the portal (www.drugandvisa.ndlea.gov.ng), create an account, and apply from anywhere, booking an appointment at any available centre. The system generates drug test certificates on the spot, with the Visa Clearance process completed within three days or a week in peculiar circumstances.
Marwa stated that the agency’s primary mission is to save lives, advocating for the Drug Integrity Test as a prevention measure rather than punishment. It serves as an early-warning system to help individuals experimenting with substances, offering intervention and treatment opportunities before dependence sets in.
The digital portal provides a verified, standardised, and secure process for testing and issuing certificates, supporting the national drive for Demand Reduction and fostering healthier communities. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to digitise all NDLEA operations, ensuring modern, secure, and world-class processes.
Marwa urged all stakeholders to embrace the new change and fully utilise the platform, emphasising that its success is a shared responsibility. With technology as an ally, the NDLEA is better equipped, stronger, and more resolved than ever before to combat drug trafficking and abuse complexities.