The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has launched a digital platform aimed at streamlining its drug integrity test and visa clearance processes, enhancing accessibility, and strengthening the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria.
The platform, known as the Drug Integrity Test and Visa E-Administration System (DITViCAS), was unveiled during a press conference on Tuesday in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), described the initiative as “a paradigm shift in the fight against the scourge of substance abuse and drug trafficking—a point where enforcement meets efficiency and commitment merges with technology.”
Represented by the Agency’s Secretary, Shadrach Haruna, Marwa noted that the digitisation aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which promotes an aggressive yet balanced approach to drug control focusing on both supply and demand reduction.
He explained that the manual process of obtaining NDLEA visa clearance certificates had long been hindered by human interference, delays, and inefficiencies. The new online portal, he said, eliminates these challenges by automating every stage of the process, ensuring transparency, and enabling effective collaboration with partner agencies.
The NDLEA boss added that private medical centres could now partner with the agency as accredited centres for drug integrity testing. Applicants can apply from home, choose a preferred test location, and book convenient appointments without waiting long hours at NDLEA offices.
The system also incorporates e-certification and verification features to prevent certificate forgery and ensure the credibility of issued documents. Marwa said the service will extend to students in tertiary institutions to promote drug demand reduction nationwide, while rehabilitation and counselling services remain open to anyone who tests positive.
He further explained that the platform integrates advanced background-check protocols, strengthening Nigeria’s international reputation and preventing drug syndicates from exploiting legitimate travel channels. Applicants can access the portal via www.drugandvisa.ndlea.gov.ng, create an account, and complete applications for either a drug integrity test or visa clearance. The visa clearance process will typically be finalised within three to seven days.
Marwa emphasised that the agency’s primary goal is to save lives by promoting prevention rather than punishment. The drug integrity test, he said, acts as an early-warning tool that enables intervention before dependence develops.
He stressed that the digital platform provides individuals, institutions, and organisations—including parents and prospective couples—with a verified, standardised, and secure method of obtaining test certificates. “It is a compassionate and data-driven step in our War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign,” he stated.
Marwa concluded by urging stakeholders to embrace the new platform fully, affirming that the NDLEA remains committed to leveraging technology to modernise operations and strengthen the national fight against drug abuse. “With technology as our ally,” he said, “we are stronger, better equipped, and more determined than ever to protect our nation’s future.”