The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) have pledged to work together to curb the use of commercial and haulage vehicles for the trafficking of illicit drugs across Nigeria.
This renewed commitment was made on Thursday, 24th July 2025, when the National President of NARTO, Alhaji Yusuf Lawal Othman, led a delegation of the association’s leadership on a courtesy visit to the NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd), at the Agency’s national headquarters in Abuja.
Othman praised Marwa’s leadership and patriotic drive, describing the visit as purposeful and timely. He acknowledged the vital role NARTO played in the nation’s transportation network and expressed concern that while their trucks and passenger vehicles serve as crucial channels of connectivity and commerce, they are sometimes exploited by criminal elements to convey illicit substances.
He assured the NDLEA that NARTO is determined to change that narrative, emphasizing the urgency and necessity of collaboration between the two organizations. Othman called for nationwide sensitization and training of transport operators and drivers to help identify and report suspicious activities. He also suggested that NDLEA liaison officers be stationed at major NARTO parks and depots to strengthen intelligence-sharing and enhance surveillance efforts. He further pledged to support public awareness campaigns using NARTO’s national platform to educate both drivers and passengers on the dangers of drug abuse and trafficking.
Reaffirming NARTO’s stance, Othman declared that the association is committed to ensuring that Nigeria’s highways are not used to undermine national security. According to him, the transport industry must become a key partner in safeguarding lives, property, and the integrity of the country.
Responding, NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Marwa (Rtd) expressed appreciation for the visit and the commitment shown by NARTO. He noted that his longstanding relationship with the association dates back to his days in Lagos, and he welcomed the opportunity for deeper collaboration. Marwa stressed the importance of conducting background checks on drivers to prevent vehicles from falling into the hands of traffickers or drug users, warning that such lapses could lead to avoidable crashes or seizure of vehicles used in drug-related crimes.
He assured NARTO of the agency’s readiness to work with the association across its operational locations, stating that joint efforts are crucial in winning the fight against drug trafficking and abuse.
