News

NDLEA Unveils Digital Platform For Drug Integrity Test, Visa Clearance Certificate

Published

1 month ago

October 22, 2025

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

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) yesterday in Abuja.

Speaking at the forum, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), said the symbolic launch signifies “a paradigm shift in the fight against the scourge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.” He said it was a moment where enforcement meets efficiency, and commitment merges with cutting-edge technology.

Represented by the agency’s Secretary, Shadrach Haruna, he 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 characterised 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. 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,” he said.

He added: “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 and choose any preferred location, booking 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.

“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.”

The extension of the service to students of tertiary institutions and others, he said, is to significantly foster drug demand reduction across the country without any attempt to stigmatise any student or anyone, while rehabilitation and counsellingcentres are open for those who test positive to ensure that no one is left without care.

The NDLEA boss further explained that the essence of the platform is to integrate sophisticated background check protocols, ensuring that the certificate remains a robust security instrument that safeguards Nigeria’s international reputation and prevents drug syndicates from exploiting legitimate travel channels.

He said: “This new digital portal allows institutions, organisations, and individuals, including parents and prospective couples, to apply for drug integrity tests seamlessly. It provides a verified, standardised, and secure process for testing and issuing certificates.

“It is a non-judgmental pathway designed to support our national drive for Demand Reduction, fostering healthier communities, safer workplaces, and a more secure national labour force. This is the future of our War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign: proactive, compassionate, and data-driven.”

News

Otuaro Felicitates Tompolo On Honorary Doctorate Award

Published

8 hours ago

December 2, 2025

Editor

Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro has congratulated High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, on the conferment of an Honorary Doctorate of Laws (LLD) by the E.K. Clark University.

Otuaro described the recognition as well-deserved and befitting, noting that Tompolo has, over the years, demonstrated uncommon commitment to the peace, progress, and stability of the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

According to him, Tompolo’s role in sustaining peace in the region, particularly through his steadfast support for dialogue, community engagement, and nonviolent approaches to conflict resolution, has made a significant contribution to national security and economic stability.

He further noted that, beyond his contributions to peacebuilding, Tompolo has demonstrated extraordinary compassion, philanthropy, and devotion to humanitarian causes.

He added that his investments in youth empowerment stand as clear evidence of a man whose heart is truly with his people.

“Tompolo’s good heart, generosity, and love for humanity distinguish him as a leader of rare character,” Otuaro said.

The PAP Administrator commended E.K. Clark University for identifying and honouring a personality whose impact continues to resonate across the Niger Delta and beyond.

He urged other institutions to emulate such gestures that celebrate individuals advancing society through selfless service.

Dr Otuaro prayed for God’s continued guidance, long life, and strength for High Chief Ekpemupolo as he continues to serve the Niger Delta and Nigeria with dignity, wisdom, and compassion.

News

JUST IN: Defence Minister, Badaru Mohammed Resigns

Published

9 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has resigned his appointment with immediate effect.

His resignation was contained in a letter addressed to President Tinubu and dated December 1.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed this on Monday.

The presidential spokesman said Abubakar resigned on health grounds.

News

Police Deny Opening Recruitment Portal, Warn Nigerians Against Fake Adverts

Published

10 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Police Service Commission has debunked reports circulating on social media and several unofficial websites claiming that it has opened a portal for recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

The Commission described the publications as fake, warning that they were created by fraudsters seeking to deceive and exploit unsuspecting Nigerians.

In a statement published on its official website on Monday, the PSC said it had not commenced any recruitment exercise.

“The general public is hereby informed that these publications are fake and entirely misleading.

“They are the handiwork of fraudsters attempting to exploit innocent citizens,” the Commission said.

It added that no recruitment portal had been opened by the Commission.

“There is currently no ongoing recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

“The Police Service Commission has not opened any portal for such an exercise,” the statement added.

The PSC stressed that whenever recruitment begins, the announcement will be made strictly through authorised platforms.

According to the statement, official channels include advertisements in reputable national newspapers, announcements posted on the Commission’s verified website (www.psc.gov.ng), and formal press releases.

“We urge Nigerians to rely only on information published through these official channels.

“Any recruitment portal not listed on our website is fraudulent and should be reported to the police,” the commission said.

The PSC advised the public to ignore the fake recruitment claims to avoid falling victim to scams.

The PUNCH had reported that the Police Service Commission has cautioned Nigerians seeking a career in the Nigeria Police Force to beware of fake recruitment adverts circulating online, insisting that it has not yet commenced the 2025 recruitment exercise.