NDLEA Launches Digital Platform for Drug Integrity Test and Visa Clearance to Strengthen War Against Substance Abuse

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has unveiled a new digital platform designed to streamline its Drug Integrity Test and Visa Clearance processes, marking a major technological leap in Nigeria’s fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

The innovative system, known as the Drug Integrity Test and Visa E-Administration System (DITViCAS), was officially launched on Tuesday during a press conference in Abuja. The event, presided over by NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd)—represented by the Agency’s Secretary, Shadrach Haruna—signaled what the Agency described as “a paradigm shift where enforcement meets efficiency, and commitment merges with cutting-edge technology.”

Marwa said the introduction of the platform aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasizing that the NDLEA remains committed to a balanced and uncompromising approach to drug control—focusing on both Drug Supply Reduction and Drug Demand Reduction.

“For years, the process of obtaining an NDLEA Visa Clearance Certificate required cumbersome paperwork, in-person appearances, and lengthy verification steps,” Marwa said in a statement released by NDLEA’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi. “These manual processes were prone to human interference, delays, and inefficiencies. With the launch of this online portal, all that changes today.”

According to him, the new system fully automates the application, testing, and certification stages. Applicants can now apply for both Drug Integrity Tests and Visa Clearance online via the portal www.drugandvisa.ndlea.gov.ng
, choose an accredited medical center, and book a convenient appointment date—all from the comfort of their homes.

He explained that the E-Certification and Verification system eliminates the possibility of falsifying drug or visa clearance certificates by introducing secure supervisory dashboards accessible across NDLEA commands and headquarters. “It delivers reliability, transparency, and speed,” Marwa said, adding that visa clearance can now be processed within three days—or at most, a week in exceptional circumstances.

The NDLEA Chairman also announced that private medical centers can now partner with the Agency as accredited Drug Integrity Test centers, increasing accessibility across the country. The initiative, he said, will not only improve efficiency but also enhance preventive strategies against drug use and addiction.

“The expansion of this service to tertiary institutions, corporate organizations, and even private citizens is not meant to stigmatize anyone,” Marwa emphasized. “Rather, it’s a proactive tool for prevention and rehabilitation. Anyone who tests positive can access care and counseling at our rehabilitation centers nationwide.”

He further explained that the portal integrates sophisticated background check protocols, ensuring that certificates issued through the system are tamper-proof and credible, thereby protecting Nigeria’s international reputation and preventing drug syndicates from exploiting legitimate travel routes.

“This is a commitment to every Nigerian—a promise of a stress-free, integrity-driven public service,” he said. “It’s a future where technology strengthens accountability and trust.”

Highlighting the broader mission of the NDLEA, Marwa reiterated that the Drug Integrity Test is founded on prevention, not punishment. “It serves as an early warning system to identify and help individuals experimenting with drugs before addiction takes hold,” he noted. “Institutions, employers, parents, and even intending couples can now easily request verified and secure tests to promote drug-free communities and workplaces.”

The NDLEA boss described the initiative as part of a larger digital transformation agenda within the agency. “This portal is proof that we are leveraging technology to confront the evolving threats of drug abuse and trafficking. It’s a key step in modernizing our operations to make them world-class,” he said.

Marwa concluded by calling on all stakeholders—including educational institutions, employers, embassies, and the general public—to embrace and support the new system, stressing that the success of the platform depends on collective participation.

“The war against drug abuse is one we must win—for our youth, our families, and the future of Nigeria,” he declared. “With technology as our ally, we are better equipped, stronger, and more resolved than ever.”