Abuja, Nigeria — October 21, 2025
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has unveiled a new digital platform designed to streamline and modernize the process of obtaining drug integrity test certificates and visa clearance documentation for Nigerians.
The platform, officially named the Drug Integrity Test and Visa E-Administration System (DITVES), was launched on Tuesday in Abuja by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd).
The system represents a major step in the agency’s ongoing effort to digitize its operations, enhance transparency, and curb corruption in the issuance of mandatory drug test and clearance certificates often required for international travel, employment, and academic purposes.
A New Era of Digital Efficiency
Speaking during the official launch, Marwa said the platform would serve as a one-stop digital portal for Nigerians seeking to undergo drug tests or obtain drug-free certification for visa, employment, or institutional requirements.
“The Drug Integrity Test and Visa E-Administration System is a game-changer in our mission to ensure integrity, transparency, and accountability in all our processes,” Marwa stated. “It will eliminate delays, reduce human contact, and enhance service delivery.”
He explained that through the new system, individuals and organizations can now book drug tests online, verify certificates, and track applications in real time without visiting NDLEA offices physically.
“This is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s digital transformation agenda and the NDLEA’s vision to embrace technology as a tool for effective drug demand reduction,” Marwa added.
How the Portal Works
The new portal — accessible through the NDLEA’s official website — allows applicants to:
- Register online using their National Identification Number (NIN), passport number, or other valid identification.
- Schedule drug integrity tests at NDLEA-approved laboratories nationwide.
- Receive test results and clearance certificates digitally, eliminating paper-based procedures.
- Verify authenticity of issued certificates via a secure QR code system.
According to the agency, the system uses blockchain-backed encryption technology to ensure the integrity of all records and prevent forgery or duplication of test results.
Strengthening Integrity in Visa and Employment Processes
Marwa emphasized that the DITVES would not only improve administrative efficiency but also enhance Nigeria’s international credibility in visa and migration procedures.
“Many embassies, international organizations, and employers now require drug test clearance as part of background checks,” he said. “This system ensures that such tests are conducted with utmost integrity, eliminating the possibility of falsified results.”
The NDLEA boss revealed that the platform would also be integrated with other national databases such as the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), and Federal Ministry of Health, to enable seamless data validation and reporting.
NDLEA’s Push for Digital Transformation
The launch of the DITVES marks another milestone in NDLEA’s broader campaign to digitize its administrative and operational processes, a move that began under Marwa’s leadership in 2021.
Since then, the agency has introduced a series of reforms, including:
- The E-Arrest and Case Management System (EACMS) for managing criminal cases electronically.
- A National Drug Use Data Repository to monitor substance abuse trends across states.
- The NDLEA Online Learning Platform for staff capacity development.
Marwa noted that the DITVES complements these innovations and brings the agency closer to its vision of becoming a world-class drug enforcement and regulatory body.
“Technology is a critical tool in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking,” he said. “With this system, we are moving from manual to digital operations in line with global standards.”
Curbing Corruption and Certificate Fraud
One of the key objectives of the DITVES is to eliminate opportunities for corruption and manipulation in the drug test certification process.
Prior to this reform, applicants often faced delays and inconsistent procedures across different NDLEA commands, leading to complaints of extortion and forgery.
“This system closes the door to middlemen and unauthorized agents who exploit applicants,” said NDLEA’s Director of ICT, Dr. Tunde Adebayo, who led the technical development of the portal. “Now, all applications and payments are handled online, directly through the system.”
Adebayo added that all digital certificates generated from the platform would carry unique QR codes and verification numbers, allowing embassies, employers, and institutions to authenticate results instantly.
Boosting Public Confidence and Institutional Partnerships
The NDLEA chief disclosed that the platform has already been endorsed by several international partners, including the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), both of which commended Nigeria’s commitment to transparency in drug-related health and legal procedures.
Marwa said the agency will continue to engage with foreign embassies, universities, and corporate organizations to integrate the verification system into their application processes.
“Our ultimate goal is to ensure that all drug integrity tests conducted in Nigeria meet global credibility standards,” he added.
Public Reaction and Expectations
Reactions to the new digital system have been largely positive, with stakeholders describing it as a timely innovation that will save applicants time, reduce bureaucracy, and enhance accountability.
Dr. Aisha Umar, a medical examiner and NDLEA partner, said the new platform would “restore public confidence in drug testing procedures,” especially for visa applicants.
“For years, people have complained about delays and inconsistencies in getting NDLEA clearance. This digital solution will address those gaps,” she said.
Similarly, immigration consultant and travel advisor, Mr. Isaac Ojeifo, said the portal would simplify the documentation process for Nigerians seeking study or work visas abroad.
“Applicants can now obtain and verify NDLEA drug clearance without physical visits or manual verification, which will speed up visa processing times,” he explained.
NDLEA’s Broader Anti-Drug Strategy
The unveiling of DITVES also aligns with NDLEA’s wider strategy to combat drug abuse and trafficking through a mix of enforcement, prevention, and digital reform.
Under Marwa’s leadership, the agency has recorded several high-profile operations, including the seizure of over 6 million kilograms of illicit drugs, arrest of more than 40,000 suspects, and successful prosecution of major traffickers across Nigeria.
In addition to enforcement, NDLEA has intensified drug demand reduction efforts, including the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, community sensitization programs, and youth education initiatives nationwide.
Looking Ahead
Marwa concluded by reaffirming the NDLEA’s commitment to modernizing its operations, ensuring efficient public service delivery, and promoting drug-free living among Nigerians.
“DITVES is not just a technological tool — it is a statement of integrity,” he declared. “We are committed to building a Nigeria where drug-related processes are transparent, credible, and accessible to all.”
The portal is now live and available to the public for use across all NDLEA commands nationwide.
