The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has unveiled an online portal for drug integrity tests, visa clearance certificates. The initiative is set to make the clearance process seamless and more accessible, and reinforce its fight against drug abuse.

According to a press statement released on Tuesday, signed by Femi Babafemi, Director, Media & Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, the portal was unveiled at a press conference to flag off the digitisation of the Agency’s Drug Integrity Test and Visa E-Administration System (DITViCAS). 

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), noted that the portal is part of efforts to streamline operations, remove bottlenecks and curb the drug scourge. In addition, he noted that the inculcation of technology represents its attempt to improve its clampdown on substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria.

“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,” he added. 

Marwa explained that the plan shows NDLEA is committed to leveraging the power of technology to fight drug trafficking and abuse. Most importantly, the digital operation is embedded in its strategy to ensure its processes are modern, secure, and world-class. 

In addition, the NDLEA boss pointed out that the plan aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda to digitalise systems and streamline operations. He noted that the uncompromising approach to tackling the scourge of illicit substances focuses on two critical fronts: Drug Supply Reduction and Drug Demand Reduction.

“The war against drug abuse is one we must win for the sake of our youth, our families, and the future of our nation. With technology as our ally, we are better equipped, stronger, and more resolved than ever before,” he added. 

For a while, the NDLEA has been marred by slow operation in the process of obtaining an NDLEA Visa Clearance Certificate, which is required by certain source and transit countries. These countries include Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, Brazil, Pakistan, the Philippines and Russia. The delays have been characterised by documentation, physical appearances, and lengthy verification cycles. 

But with the introduction of the online Visa Clearance portal, NDLEA looks to provide a lasting solution. The new system delivers automation across all processes and operations associated with the administration of the Drug Integrity Test and Visa Clearance.

In addition, the drug integrity test platform will be extended to students of tertiary institutions to significantly foster drug demand reduction nationwide. Marwa said the process will be done without any attempt to stigmatise any student, while its rehabilitation and counselling centres will take care of positive ones. 

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How it works

The newly unveiled portal allows institutions, organisations, and individuals to apply for drug integrity tests seamlessly. When people apply, they get a verified, standardised, and secure process for testing and issuing certificates. 

NDLEA noted that the portal integrates sophisticated background check protocols, ensuring that the certificate remains a robust security instrument and prevents drug syndicates from exploiting legitimate travel channels.

“With the E-Certification and Verification system, it also eliminates drug and visa clearance certificate falsifications and establishes the reliability and transparency of the process with supervisory dashboards across our commands, formations and at the headquarters,” Marwa added.

The agency has also partnered with private medical centres and accredited centres for the Drug Integrity Test, which have been onboarded on the platform. 

How to Apply

Applicants for the Drug Integrity Test and Visa Clearance can apply from home and choose any preferred location.

They also get to 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.

To apply:

Step 1: Visit the portal on your web browser.

Step 2: Create an account with the necessary bio data and verify your details.

Step 3: Apply and book an appointment at any available centre for either the Drug Integrity Test or the Visa Clearance.

Step 4: Go to the appointment centre on the scheduled date. 

At the appointment centre, the desk officer completes the testing process and reports the result. The system generates drug test certificates on the spot.

According to NDLEA, the Visa Clearance process is completed within three days or a maximum of a week in peculiar circumstances.