NDLEA launches portal for drug integrity test, visa clearance

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has launched a digital platform that will make its drug integrity test and visa clearance processes seamless, more accessible, and ultimately curb the scourge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the country. The portal was unveiled at a press conference to flag off the digitization of […]

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has launched a digital platform that will make its drug integrity test and visa clearance processes seamless, more accessible, and ultimately curb the scourge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the country.

The portal was unveiled at a press conference to flag off the digitization of the Agency’s Drug Integrity Test and Visa E-Administration System (DITViCAS) on Tuesday in Abuja.

There, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), declared that the symbolic launch signifies “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.”

Marwa, who was represented by the Agency’s Secretary, Shadrach Haruna, said in line with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Agency has maintained an aggressive, balanced, and uncompromising approach to tackling the scourge of illicit substances, with a focus on two critical fronts: Drug Supply Reduction and Drug Demand Reduction.

“For years, the process of obtaining an NDLEA Visa Clearance Certificate, required by certain source and transit countries, has been characterized 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.

“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. The system brings efficiency, flexibility, and convenience to the process. Following this ceremony, applicants for the Drug Integrity Test and Visa Clearance can now apply from home, choose any preferred location, and book a date convenient and available for both the applicant and the desk officer of the NDLEA, without having to go and wait the whole day at the NDLEA office.’’