NDLEA Unveils Digital Platform to Streamline Drug Tests, Visa Clearance and Boost War Against Drug Abuse
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has taken a major step in its war against drug abuse and trafficking with the launch of a new digital platform designed to make drug integrity tests and visa clearance processes faster, safer, and more transparent.
The NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, unveiled the new Drug Integrity Test and Visa E-Administration System (DITViCAS) at a press conference on Tuesday in Abuja.
Marwa, represented by the agency’s Secretary, Shadrach Haruna, described the development as a “paradigm shift” in the NDLEA’s operations, noting that it marks the point “where enforcement meets efficiency, and commitment merges with cutting-edge technology.”
According to him, the digitisation aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda and reinforces the agency’s balanced strategy of tackling illicit substances through Drug Supply Reduction and Drug Demand Reduction.
“For years, the process of obtaining an NDLEA Visa Clearance Certificate, required by certain source and transit countries, has been characterised by documentation, physical appearances, and lengthy verification cycles,” Marwa said.
“This manual process was no doubt prone to human interference, delays, and a host of other issues. With the flag-off of the Online Visa Clearance Portal today, we are bringing an end to those bottlenecks.”
The NDLEA boss explained that the new system automates all operations linked to the Drug Integrity Test and Visa Clearance, introducing secure interfaces for collaboration with partner agencies.
“It is also important to note that we have made provision on the system for private medical centres to partner with the agency as accredited centres for Drug Integrity Test,” he added.
Marwa said the innovation brings efficiency, flexibility, and convenience to the process, allowing applicants to apply online, select preferred locations, and schedule appointments without waiting hours at NDLEA offices.
“They can also book a date convenient and available for both applicant and the desk officer of the NDLEA without having to go and wait the whole day at the NDLEA office,” he said.
“With the E-Certification and Verification system, it also eliminates drug and visa clearance certificate falsifications and establishes the reliability and transparency of the process with supervisory dashboards across our commands, formations and at the headquarters.”
He noted that the system’s extension to tertiary institutions would help reduce drug demand among students, stressing that the measure was not intended to stigmatise anyone.
“Also, our rehabilitation and counselling centres are open for those who test positive to ensure that no one is left without care,” Marwa stated.
He further revealed that the platform integrates sophisticated background check protocols, making certificates more secure and resistant to manipulation.
“It ensures that the certificate remains a robust security instrument that safeguards Nigeria’s international reputation and prevents drug syndicates from exploiting legitimate travel channels,” he said.
According to him, the initiative represents a “commitment to the Nigerian citizen: a commitment to stress-free, integrity-driven public service delivery.”
“All applicants need to do is log on to the portal (www.drugandvisa.ndlea.gov.ng), create an account and apply from anywhere and book an appointment at any available centre for either Drug Integrity Test or Visa Clearance.
“Meanwhile, the system generates drug test certificates on the spot as the desk officer completes the testing process and reports the result, with the Visa Clearance process completed within three days or maximum a week in peculiar circumstances.”
Marwa emphasised that NDLEA’s primary mission remains saving lives through preventive and rehabilitative strategies.
“The Drug Integrity Test is founded on a principle of prevention rather than punishment,” he said. “It is an early-warning system designed to help individuals who may be experimenting with substances, giving them an opportunity for intervention and treatment before dependence sets in.”
He added that the portal provides a “verified, standardised, and secure process for testing and issuing certificates” for institutions, organisations, and individuals, including parents and prospective couples.
“It is a non-judgmental pathway designed to support our national drive for demand reduction, fostering healthier communities, safer workplaces, and a more secure national labour force,” he said.
“This is the future of our War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign — proactive, compassionate, and data-driven.”
Marwa said the launch of the digital system underscores NDLEA’s determination to use technology to tackle the evolving challenges of drug trafficking and abuse.
“With technology as our ally, we are better equipped, stronger, and more resolved than ever before,” he declared, urging stakeholders to embrace the platform fully as “its success is a shared responsibility.”
