The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has introduced a new digital platform aimed at simplifying the process of obtaining drug integrity tests and visa clearance certificates, as part of its broader efforts to promote transparency, accessibility, and operational efficiency.
The platform, known as the Drug Integrity Test and Visa E-Administration System, was officially launched on Tuesday in Abuja by NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Marwa (retd), who described the project 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 platform aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and underscores NDLEA’s balanced strategy in combating drug challenges through both supply and demand reduction efforts.
“For years, the process of obtaining an NDLEA Visa Clearance Certificate, required by certain source and transit countries, has been characterised by 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 newly launched system automates all procedures related to drug integrity testing and visa clearance, integrates seamlessly with partner agencies, and removes human interference and unnecessary delays.
Marwa stated, “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 visit the NDLEA website to create user accounts, schedule appointments, and complete their applications without physically visiting NDLEA offices.
Marwa added that drug test certificates will now be issued immediately, while visa clearance certificates will be processed within three days, or at most within one week in special circumstances.
He further noted that the system features E-Certification and Verification tools to prevent document forgery and enhance Nigeria’s international credibility. Supervisory dashboards will allow 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, NDLEA said the new system will also serve students, corporate entities, and individuals including parents and intending couples who wish to conduct drug integrity tests.
Marwa emphasised that the initiative is preventive rather than punitive, providing a “non-judgmental pathway” for early intervention and rehabilitation for individuals dealing 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 urged all stakeholders, including partner agencies, health institutions, and the general public, to adopt the new system, describing its implementation as a “shared responsibility” in the national campaign against drug abuse and trafficking.
In recent years, NDLEA has strengthened its efforts to modernise operations through technology-driven and data-based solutions.
The agency’s digital transformation aligns with global standards aimed at improving efficiency, reducing corruption, and ensuring the credibility of official processes.
The NDLEA Visa Clearance Certificate is mandatory for Nigerians travelling to certain countries identified as major drug source or transit nations.
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