The Nationwide Drug Regulation Enforcement Company (NDLEA) is proposing necessary drug integrity checks for drivers in search of licences.
The Information Company of Nigeria (NAN) studies that the take a look at is a part of efforts to curb the rising instances of drug-influenced highway crashes throughout the nation.
The NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa disclosed this in a goodwill message on the Nationwide Summit of the Particular Marshals of the Federal Highway Security Corps (FRSC) on Wednesday in Abuja.
Marwa, who was represented by a Deputy Commandant Normal of Narcotics (DCGN), Umoru Ambrose, described FRSC and NDLEA as “companions in progress”.
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He emphasised that whereas the Corps was on the roads to stop accidents and help victims, the NDLEA targeted on addressing the underlying causes of crashes, safety issues and well being challenges.
“From analysis through the years, we now have came upon that drug abuse performs a really important function within the accidents on most of our highways.
“It’s in that respect that NDLEA has been collaborating with the FRSC,” he mentioned.
Marwa revealed that each businesses had been engaged on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that was nearing completion and would profit the general public as soon as unveiled.
In response to him, the NDLEA has accomplished its half, and the company is ready for the FRSC to additionally finalise theirs.
“One of many key impacts of the MoU is the problem of drug integrity checks.
“The company is already propagating drug checks in a number of organisations; actually, extending the measure to the transport sector is important, given FRSC’s function in making certain security on our highways.
“That’s the reason we’re advocating that drivers ought to endure drug checks even earlier than they apply for his or her licences.
“NDLEA has already educated professionals who’re going to coach FRSC officers in order that they’ll conduct on-the-spot drug checks for drivers,” he revealed.
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Marwa added that the initiative would function a deterrent to industrial drivers who might take pleasure in alcohol and different psychoactive substances on the highways.
The NDLEA boss additional mentioned that the deliberate collaboration would allow FRSC and NDLEA operatives to evaluate each drivers and passengers throughout joint freeway operations.
“Actually, we don’t like industrial drivers on our roads indulging in medicine or alcohol.
“With this measure, FRSC and NDLEA on the highways will be capable of assess drivers and conduct spot drug checks.
“As soon as it’s prepared, the NDLEA will carry it to the highway for implementation,” he assured.
Marwa thanked the organisers for inviting the company to the summit, describing it as a platform that reinforces collaboration between establishments working to safeguard lives.
In her opening remarks, Deputy Corps Marshal (DCM) Pauline Olaye described the Nationwide Summit of Particular Marshals as a historic alternative to replicate on previous achievements, confront current challenges, and chart new methods to enhance highway security on Nigerian roads.
Olaye recommended the dedication and sacrifices of particular marshals in advancing the mandate of FRSC.
She added that particular marshal initiative had, through the years, turn into some of the enduring platforms for citizen participation in highway security administration and advocacy.
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“Their sacrifice, ardour and dedication as volunteers proceed to enhance the statutory mandate of the FRSC, and for this, we stay grateful,” she mentioned.
Olaye mentioned that the theme of the 2025 summit, “Particular Marshals’ Strategic Function in Highway Security Administration”, was well timed and provoking.
The deputy corps marshal mentioned it aligned the work of the corps and its volunteers with rising realities in administration, expertise, and public engagement.
She hailed the volunteerism of particular marshals throughout the nation, stressing that when pushed by ardour and patriotism, it had the ability to go away an enduring mark on society.
