The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has proposed making drug integrity tests mandatory for drivers applying for licences in Nigeria, saying the measure would help reduce the growing number of drug-related road crashes across the country.
The plan was disclosed by NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, in a goodwill message at the National Summit of the Special Marshals of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) held Wednesday in Abuja. He was represented by Deputy Commandant General of Narcotics, Mr. Umoru Ambrose.
Marwa revealed that NDLEA and FRSC are finalising a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in tackling drug-related road safety issues.
“From research over the years, we have found out that drug abuse plays a very significant role in the accidents on most of our highways. It is in that respect that NDLEA has been collaborating with the FRSC,” he said.
A key part of the collaboration, he explained, would be the introduction of drug integrity tests for drivers. “One of the key impacts of the MoU is the issue of drug integrity tests.
The agency is already propagating drug tests in several organisations; certainly, extending the measure to the transport sector is necessary, given FRSC’s role in ensuring safety on our highways.
That is why we are advocating that drivers should undergo drug tests even before they apply for their licences,” Marwa said.
He further noted that NDLEA has already trained professionals who will equip FRSC officials with the skills to carry out on-the-spot drug tests on drivers.
“NDLEA has already trained professionals who are going to train FRSC officials so that they can conduct on-the-spot drug tests for drivers,” he stated.
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According to Marwa, the initiative will serve as a deterrent to commercial drivers who may consume alcohol or psychoactive substances while on duty. He added that both drivers and passengers would be included in random spot checks during FRSC’s highway operations.
“In fact, we don’t like commercial drivers on our roads indulging in drugs or alcohol. With this measure, FRSC and NDLEA on the highways will be able to assess drivers and conduct spot drug tests. Once it is ready, the NDLEA will bring it to the road for implementation,” he said.
The move comes as part of broader efforts by the NDLEA and the Federal Government to combat substance abuse among Nigerians. Nairametrics earlier reported that the government plans to introduce compulsory drug testing for university students and update the secondary school curriculum to include drug education.
The NDLEA and the Federal Ministry of Education recently sealed an agreement on this initiative at a meeting between Marwa and Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, in Abuja.
Marwa described the fight against drugs as a battle for the “souls of Nigerian youth” and outlined three key strategies, revising the drug education curriculum, introducing stand-alone drug prevention programmes in schools, and implementing drug testing policies in universities.
The education minister endorsed the plan and pledged institutional support, including establishing a Substance Use Prevention Unit within the ministry and forming an inter-ministerial working group with NDLEA, according to Nairametrics.
In line with the campaign, Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) last month announced that all 4,500 prospective students for the 2024/25 academic session would be required to undergo drug testing before admission.
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Image Credit: Vanguard News
