The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has unveiled a new digital platform designed to streamline the process of obtaining drug integrity tests and visa clearance certificates, as part of efforts to enhance transparency, accessibility, and efficiency in its operations.
The platform, known as the Drug Integrity Test and Visa E-Administration System, was launched on Tuesday in Abuja by the NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd), who described the initiative as “a paradigm shift in our fight against the scourge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.”
Represented by the agency’s Secretary, Shadrach Haruna, Marwa said the online system aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and reflects NDLEA’s balanced approach to drug control, focusing on both supply reduction and demand reduction.
“For years, the process of obtaining an NDLEA Visa Clearance Certificate, required by certain source and transit countries, has been characterised by extensive documentation, physical appearances, and lengthy verification cycles.
“This manual process was, no doubt, prone to human interference, delays, and a host of other issues,” he said.
He explained that the new system automates all processes related to drug integrity testing and visa clearance, integrates with partner agencies, and eliminates human interference and delays.
Marwa said, “With the flag-off of the Online Visa Clearance Portal today, we are bringing an end to those bottlenecks.
“The system delivers automation across all processes and operations associated with the administration of the Drug Integrity Test and Visa Clearance, with interfaces for effective 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 the Drug Integrity Test.”
According to him, applicants can now log on to the NDLEA website to create accounts, book appointments, and complete their applications without visiting NDLEA offices.
Marwa added that drug test certificates will be generated instantly, while visa clearance certificates will be issued within three days, or within a maximum of one week in special cases.
He noted that the system includes e-certification and verification features to prevent document falsification and strengthen Nigeria’s international credibility. Supervisory dashboards will also enable real-time monitoring across NDLEA commands nationwide.
“The portal integrates sophisticated background check protocols to ensure that the certificate remains a robust security instrument that safeguards Nigeria’s international reputation and prevents drug syndicates from exploiting legitimate travel channels,” he stated.
Beyond visa applicants, the NDLEA said the system would also serve students, corporate organisations, and individuals, including parents and prospective couples, who may wish to conduct drug integrity tests.
Marwa stressed that the initiative is not punitive but preventive, providing a “non-judgmental pathway” to early intervention and rehabilitation for those struggling with substance use.
He said, “This new digital portal allows institutions, organisations, and individuals, including parents and prospective couples, to apply for drug integrity tests seamlessly. It provides a verified, standardised, and secure process for testing and issuing certificates. 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.”
Marwa called on all stakeholders, including partner agencies, health institutions, and the general public, to embrace the new system, describing its success as a “shared responsibility” in the national effort to curb drug abuse and trafficking.
In recent years, the NDLEA has intensified efforts to modernise its operations through technology and data-driven solutions. The move to digitise its services follows global best practices aimed at improving efficiency, curbing corruption, and ensuring the integrity of official processes.
The Visa Clearance Certificate issued by the NDLEA is a requirement for Nigerians travelling to certain countries identified as major drug sources or transit nations.