The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has unveiled a new digital platform aimed at streamlining its drug integrity test and visa clearance procedures, a move the agency says will enhance transparency, efficiency, and accountability in Nigeria’s fight against drug abuse and trafficking.

The platform, known as the Drug Integrity Test and Visa E-Administration System (DITViCAS), was launched on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, in Abuja during a press briefing led by NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), who was represented by the Agency’s Secretary, Shadrach Haruna.

Marwa described the initiative as “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.”

According to the NDLEA boss, the new system is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasizes innovation and technology-driven governance. He said the agency continues to pursue a balanced approach to drug control focused on both supply reduction and demand reduction.

“For years, the process of obtaining an NDLEA visa clearance certificate required physical appearances and lengthy verification cycles, which were prone to delays and human interference,” he said. “With the launch of the online portal, those bottlenecks are now eliminated. The system automates all processes associated with drug integrity testing and visa clearance.”

The new platform allows applicants to apply and book appointments remotely from any location, select preferred testing centers, and obtain verified e-certificates upon completion. Private medical centers will also be able to partner with the NDLEA as accredited drug test centers.

Marwa added that the system introduces real-time certification, verification, and supervision dashboards for NDLEA commands and headquarters, helping to prevent certificate falsification and strengthen data reliability.

Beyond visa clearance, the NDLEA plans to extend the service to students, employees, and individuals seeking drug integrity tests for personal or institutional purposes. The goal, he said, is to promote early detection, prevention, and rehabilitation rather than punishment.

“This 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,” Marwa explained. “It provides a verified, standardized, and secure process for testing and certification, fostering safer workplaces and healthier communities.”

Marwa emphasized that the digital shift is part of the NDLEA’s broader modernization agenda to integrate technology into all its operations. “This initiative proves our commitment to leveraging technology to combat the evolving complexities of drug trafficking and abuse,” he said. “With technology as our ally, we are better equipped, stronger, and more resolved than ever before.”

The launch marks a significant milestone in the NDLEA’s ongoing efforts to modernize public service delivery, reduce administrative bottlenecks, and strengthen Nigeria’s drug control systems through digital transformation.