The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has proposed the introduction of compulsory drug integrity tests for all Nigerians applying for driver’s licences.
Chairman and Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (Retd), disclosed this during a policy dialogue in Abuja on Tuesday. He explained that the measure was aimed at curbing road accidents and promoting public safety by ensuring that drivers are free from the influence of illicit substances.
Marwa noted that drug use among motorists has contributed significantly to reckless driving, road rage, and accidents across the country. According to him, integrating drug testing into the licensing process would help identify and rehabilitate individuals struggling with substance abuse before they are allowed behind the wheel.
“Driving under the influence is a silent killer on our roads. If we must reduce accidents and safeguard lives, drug integrity tests should become part of the mandatory requirements for obtaining a driver’s licence,” he said.
The NDLEA boss stressed that the agency is already in talks with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), and other stakeholders to develop an implementation framework. He also urged state governments to support the proposal and align their road safety regulations with national objectives.
Marwa emphasized that the initiative was not punitive but corrective, adding that individuals who fail the tests would be referred for counseling and rehabilitation rather than criminal prosecution.
The proposal has generated mixed reactions among transport unions and civil society groups. While road safety advocates welcomed it as a step toward safer highways, some stakeholders expressed concern about possible abuse, privacy violations, and the cost implications for applicants.
Nigeria records thousands of road accidents annually, with human error and impaired driving often cited as major causes. The NDLEA maintains that mandatory testing could help reduce fatalities and promote a culture of responsibility on the roads.
