The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) have pledged to partner in curbing the use of trucks and passenger vehicles for trafficking illicit drugs across Nigeria.
The commitment was made when the National President of NARTO, Alhaji Yusuf Lawal Othman, led other leaders of the transport union on a courtesy visit to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, at the Agency’s National Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, July 24, 2025.
Speaking during their engagement, Othman commended Marwa’s courage, vision, and patriotism in leading the Agency.
“This visit today is not just ceremonial; it is purposeful and timely. It reflects our deep appreciation of NDLEA’s efforts and our readiness as a key stakeholder in the road transport sector to align with your mission. NARTO is acutely aware of the burden we carry. Our truck and passenger vehicles traverse every region of the country, serving as the arteries of commerce and connectivity.
“However, we also recognize that these same routes are occasionally exploited by criminal elements to traffic illicit substances. We at NARTO are committed to reversing that narrative. We believe that collaboration between our association and the NDLEA is both necessary and urgent, and we are ready to play our part,” he stated.
Othman highlighted proposals for a successful partnership, including sensitisation and training of NARTO drivers and transport operators to identify and report suspicious cargo or behaviour; and establishment of joint intelligence-sharing mechanisms to monitor drug trafficking routes and tactics.
Other proposals include the deployment of NDLEA liaison officers at major NARTO parks and depots across the federation, and public awareness campaigns, using the Agency’s national footprint to educate drivers and passengers on the dangers of drug trafficking and abuse.
He reaffirmed NARTO’s commitment to combatting the drug scourge, saying: “Our highways must not be used to harm our nation. We want to see a transport industry that supports security, safety, and the health of our communities.”
In response, Marwa assured them of NDLEA’s preparedness to work with the transport union.
“I have had good relationship with NARTO since my days in Lagos, and I’m glad you’re concerned about the drug problem in Nigeria. We are more than ready to collaborate with you at your parks and depots,” he said.
The NDLEA boss urged road transport owners to always conduct background checks on drivers they assign their vehicles to, ensuring they are not linked to any drug trafficking syndicates or involved in substance abuse.
This, he said, would save the transport vehicle owners the risk of losing their vehicles to avoidable crashes or government seizure if used in drug trafficking.
