*Lawyers Question Role in Visa Clearance
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has unveiled a new digital platform designed to streamline its drug integrity test and visa clearance processes, enhancing transparency, accessibility, and efficiency in its operations.
The platform, named the Drug Integrity Test and Visa E-Administration System (DITViCAS), was launched on Tuesday in Abuja by NDLEA Chairman and CEO, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd). 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.”
Marwa said the system aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and reflects NDLEA’s balanced approach to drug control, focusing on both drug supply reduction and demand reduction.
“For years, obtaining an NDLEA Visa Clearance Certificate required documentation, physical appearances, and lengthy verification cycles, a process prone to human interference and delays. With the flag-off of the Online Visa Clearance Portal, we are bringing an end to these bottlenecks,” Marwa said.
The portal automates all processes related to drug integrity testing and visa clearance, integrates with partner agencies, and enables accredited private medical centres to conduct drug tests. Applicants can now log on to the NDLEA website, create an account, book appointments, and complete applications without visiting NDLEA offices.
Marwa added that drug test certificates are generated on the spot, while visa clearance certificates are issued within three days, or a maximum of one week in special cases. The system features E-Certification and Verification to prevent falsification and strengthen Nigeria’s international credibility, with supervisory dashboards enabling real-time monitoring across NDLEA commands nationwide.
“The portal integrates sophisticated background check protocols to ensure that the certificate remains a robust security instrument, safeguarding Nigeria’s international reputation and preventing drug syndicates from exploiting legitimate travel channels,” Marwa stated.
The NDLEA emphasized that the initiative is preventive rather than punitive, providing a non-judgmental pathway for early intervention and rehabilitation. The system is available to students, corporate organisations, parents, prospective couples, and other individuals seeking drug integrity tests.
“This digital platform supports our national drive for demand reduction, fostering healthier communities, safer workplaces, and a more secure national labour force,” Marwa said. He urged all stakeholders to embrace the new system, describing its success as a shared responsibility in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking.
Some lawyers have pointed out that the NDLEA has no authority over the visa clearance process, as it falls outside the agency’s mandate.