The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has launched a new digital platform aimed at simplifying and accelerating the process of obtaining drug integrity tests and visa clearance certificates, as part of efforts to modernise its operations and improve transparency.
The initiative, known as the Drug Integrity Test and Visa E-Administration System, was formally unveiled on Tuesday in Abuja by NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), who described it as a “paradigm shift” in Nigeria’s war against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
Represented by the Agency’s Secretary, Shadrach Haruna, Marwa said the development aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and underscores NDLEA’s dual focus on both drug supply reduction and demand prevention.
He explained that the new system replaces the agency’s long-standing manual procedure — a process previously plagued by bureaucracy, human interference, and delays.
“For years, applicants seeking NDLEA Visa Clearance Certificates had to navigate physical appearances and extensive paperwork,” Marwa said. “This online system brings an end to those bottlenecks by introducing full automation, transparency, and integration with partner agencies.”
The platform enables users to create accounts, book appointments, and complete applications remotely via the NDLEA website. According to Marwa, drug test certificates will now be issued instantly, while visa clearance certificates will be processed within three to seven days. The system also features e-certification, real-time verification, and supervisory dashboards for national monitoring — tools designed to curb forgery and strengthen Nigeria’s international reputation.
He further disclosed that private medical facilities may partner with the agency as accredited drug testing centres, thereby expanding access nationwide.
“The portal incorporates advanced background verification protocols to ensure that the certificate remains a credible security document,” he said, adding that the digital upgrade represents part of NDLEA’s broader commitment to technology-driven reform.
Beyond visa applicants, the platform will also serve students, corporate organisations, and individuals, including parents and prospective couples, who wish to conduct voluntary drug integrity tests. Marwa emphasised that the system is not punitive but preventive, providing an avenue for early intervention and rehabilitation.
“This initiative offers a standardised, non-judgmental process for testing and certification,” he said. “It supports our national goal of building healthier communities, safer workplaces, and a drug-free future.”
He urged government agencies, health institutions, and the public to adopt the system, describing its success as a collective responsibility in the national effort to combat drug abuse.
The NDLEA’s digitisation drive reflects a wider global shift toward electronic governance in law enforcement and regulatory services, intended to reduce corruption risks, enhance efficiency, and reinforce institutional integrity.
The NDLEA Visa Clearance Certificate remains mandatory for Nigerians travelling to certain countries classified as major drug-producing or transit zones.
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