The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, or NDLEA, has introduced a digital platform aimed at reducing the prevalence of drug usage and illegal drug trafficking in Nigeria by streamlining, improving accessibility, and streamlining its drug integrity test and visa clearance procedures.
At a press conference held in Abuja on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, to kick off the digitization of the Agency’s Drug Integrity Test and Visa E-Administration System (DITViCAS), the portal was launched. The Agency’s Secretary, Shadrach Haruna, on behalf of Chairman/Chief Executive Officer Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), said the launch marks “a paradigm shift in our fight against the scourge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking, a moment where enforcement meets efficiency, and commitment merges with cutting-edge technology.”
Marwa said that the Agency has continued to take an active, impartial, and unyielding attitude in combating the threat of illegal substances, concentrating on two crucial fronts: Drug Supply Reduction and Drug Demand Reduction, in accordance with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
For years, paperwork, physical appearances, and drawn-out verification cycles have been the hallmarks of the NDLEA Visa Clearance Certificate application procedure, which is necessary in some source and transit countries. Delays, human meddling, and other issues were common in this manual procedure.
These bottlenecks are coming to an end with today’s flag-off of the Online Visa Clearance Portal. All procedures and activities related to the administration of the Drug Integrity Test and Visa Clearance are automated by the system, which also has interfaces for efficient coordination with partner organizations.
It is also crucial to remember that we have included a feature on the system that allows private medical facilities to collaborate with the Agency as Drug Integrity Test approved facilities. The system makes the procedure more convenient, flexible, and efficient. Instead of waiting all day at the NDLEA office, applicants for the Drug Integrity Test and Visa Clearance can now apply from home, select a preferred location, and schedule a time that works for both the applicant and the NDLEA desk officer.
“The E-Certification and Verification system, which has supervisory dashboards throughout our commands, formations, and headquarters, eliminates the falsification of drug and visa clearance certificates and establishes reliability and transparency.”
“The service’s expansion to include tertiary institution students and others will greatly reduce drug demand nationwide without stigmatizing individuals, and our counseling and rehabilitation centers will continue to be available to those who test positive to guarantee that no one is left without care.”
“The portal incorporates advanced background check procedures, guaranteeing that the certificate stays a strong security tool that protects Nigeria’s global image and stops drug syndicates from abusing legal travel routes,” the NDLEA chief added. The delivery of stress-free, integrity-driven public services is a pledge made to Nigerian citizens.
The Agency’s main goal is to save lives, he continued, which is why it supports the Drug Integrity Test, which is based on the idea of prevention rather than punishment. In order to provide those who might be experimenting with substances with the chance to receive intervention and therapy before dependence develops, it acts as an early-warning system.
He said, “This new digital platform makes it easy for individuals, companies, and institutions—including parents and potential couples—to apply for drug integrity testing. For testing and certificate issuance, it offers a validated, standardized, and safe procedure. It is a nonjudgmental method intended to help our country’s demand reduction efforts, creating safer workplaces, healthier communities, and a more stable labor force. Our War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign will be proactive, caring, and data-driven in the future.
“The NDLEA’s dedication to using technology to counter the growing complexity of drug trafficking and abuse is demonstrated by this project. It is a component of a larger plan to digitize all of our activities and make sure that our procedures are cutting edge, safe, and of the highest caliber. We must prevail in the fight against drug misuse for the benefit of our children, families, and the future of our country. We are stronger, more determined, and better prepared than ever before thanks to technology.
Stressing that everyone is accountable for the platform’s success, he urged all parties involved to adopt the new system and utilize it to the fullest.
