BY: EMMANUEL NNADOZIE ONWUBIKO

“Quitting smoking is easy. I’ve done it a hundred times.”
– Mark Twain with a hard truth on addiction recovery.

“Addiction is just a way of trying to get at something else. Something bigger. Call it transcendence if you want, but it’s a rat in a maze. We all want the same thing. We all have this hole. The thing you want offers relief, but it’s a trap.”
– Tess Callahan with one of our favorite drug addiction recovery quotes.”

Even with unexpected encumbrances and the vicissitudes of undulating politics in contemporary Nigeria, the nation’s counter narcotics war has of recent gone digital and has indeed entered a frenetic dimension with the hierarchy of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) doing everything within their powers to power a very powerful war against hard drugs in Nigeria. The NDLEA has become a global brand because of the many milestones achieved since Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa became the Chairman and chief Executive coupled with his ability to put together some of the most competent and patriotic Nigerians as members of his management board.

Few hours back, the NDLEA initiated a scientific project aimed at quickening the process of obtaining drugs free certificates for intending global travellers from Nigeria.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in what is regarded as another first and indeed a milestone, launched a digital platform that will make its drug integrity test and visa clearance processes seamless, more accessible and ultimately curb the scourge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria.

As we learnt from a media statement authored by the spokesperson of the NDLEA, Mr. Femi Babafemi, the portal was unveiled at a press conference to flag off the digitization of the Agency’s Drug Integrity Test and Visa E-Administration System (DITViCAS) on Tuesday 21st October 2025 in Abuja where the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) declared that the symbolic launch signifies “a paradigm shift in our fight against the scourge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking, a moment where enforcement meets efficiency, and commitment merges with cutting-edge technology.”

The indefatigable General Marwa who was represented by the Agency’s visionary Secretary Shadrach Haruna 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 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 characterized 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.
“With the flag-off of the Online Visa Clearance Portal today, 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.
“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 Drug Integrity Test. The system brings efficiency, flexibility and convenience to the process. Following this ceremony, applicants for Drug Integrity Test and Visa Clearance can now apply from home and choose any preferred location and book a date convenient and available for both 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 is to significantly foster drug demand reduction across the country without any attempt to stigmatize any student or anyone, while our rehabilitation and counselling centres are open for those who test positive to ensure that no one is left without care.”

Speaking further on the essence of the platform, the NDLEA boss explained that “the portal integrates 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.

This is a commitment to the Nigerian citizen: a commitment to stress-free, integrity-driven public service delivery.
“All applicants need to do is logon to the portal (www.drugandvisa.ndlea.gov.ng), create an account and apply from anywhere and book appointment at any available centre for either Drug Integrity Test or Visa Clearance, while the system generates drug test certificates on the spot as the desk officer completes the testing process and reports the result, with the Visa Clearance process completed within three days or maximum a week in peculiar circumstances.”

He said the Agency’s primary mission is to save lives, hence its advocacy for the Drug Integrity Test founded on a principle of prevention, rather than punishment, adding that it is an early-warning system designed to help individuals who may be experimenting with substances, giving them an opportunity for intervention and treatment before dependence sets in.
According to him, “This new digital portal allows institutions, organizations, and individuals—including parents and prospective couples—to apply for drug integrity tests seamlessly. It provides a verified, standardized, 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.
“This initiative is a proof that the NDLEA is committed to leveraging the power of technology to combat the evolving complexities of drug trafficking and abuse. It is part of a broader strategy to digitize all our operations, ensuring our processes are modern, secure, and world-class. The war against drug abuse is one we must win for the sake of our youth, our families, and the future of our nation. With technology as our ally, we are better equipped, stronger, and more resolved than ever before.”
He urged all stakeholders to embrace the new change and utilize the new platform fully because its success is a shared responsibility.

But just as NDLEA was unveiling this digital platform, a major incident relating to the increasing spate of drug abuses by youngsters happened. The incident happened in the home of a very respected politician of the All Progressives Congress.

The Senator representing Delta North in the National Assembly Ned Munir Nwoko made a very weighty accusations against his newest wife and renowned actress Mrs. Regina Daniels just as the Senator responded to the earlier allegation that he violently punched at his wife as disclosed by Regina Daniels in a viral video, her husband accused her of abusing hard drugs.

Senator Ned Nwoko who broke his silence following a viral video showing his wife, actress Regina Daniels, in distress, describing her recent actions as “drug-influenced” and “unprovoked carnage.”

In a lengthy post and a short video shared on his Instagram handle #princenednwoko on Sunday, Nwoko claimed the actress was battling drug and alcohol abuse, which he said was at the root of the crisis rocking their marriage.

“Regina was not always like this. Her current battle with drugs and alcohol abuse is the root of our problem.

The senator alleged that Regina went on a violent rampage at their home in his absence, attacking staff and destroying property.

“She slapped and hit three staff in the past 48 hours and destroyed property, including cars and windows, for no just cause.

“Now she has moved to a place where she will have unrestricted access to drugs,” the senator alleged.

Nwoko said he had offered his wife two rehabilitation options in Asokoro or Jordan, “where she will not have access to drugs.”

He further alleged that the scene at home was worsened by the interference of Regina’s associates, whom he described as “drug suppliers.”

“While I took Moon to the hospital, a scene of chaos unfolded at home, orchestrated by Sammy, Regina’s main drug supplier.

“Another known supplier of drugs to Regina is the tiny evil devil called Ann,”he alleged.

His post came hours after PUNCH Online reported that a video of the actress, visibly agitated and shouting during a confrontation, had gone viral on Saturday, sparking widespread concern.

In the footage, Regina could be heard saying, “In Ned Nwoko’s house, I am nothing, but in my own house, I am a Queen. Not again. I can’t stand the violence, it’s too much.”

Her brother, Ojeogwu Samuel Danhillman, popularly known as Sammy West, also reacted angrily on Instagram, accusing Nwoko of assaulting his sister and vowing to defend her.

“Anywhere wey man dey beat woman, whether na my sister or not, I go fight with my blood,” he wrote.

The cause of the altercation remains unclear, as neither Regina nor her representatives have publicly responded to Nwoko’s allegations.

Regina Daniels, who married Nwoko in 2019, has often been in the public eye alongside the politician and businessman.

The couple’s marriage, marked by a 40-year age gap, has long drawn public attention and debate, concludes Punch Newspaper.

What the above narrative demonstrates is that the rich also cry when it comes to the ever present menace of drug abuses by youngsters people in Nigeria. The fact is that virtually every family in this country is contending the hard drugs crisis.

Even the United Nations have expressed strong opinion about the high rate of abuses of drugs by Nigerian youths.

This is where Nigerian government must do everything against the hydra-headed monster of drug abuses by providing more enabling environment and funds for the NDLEA to continue to win the massive war against narcotics. The NDLEA’S rehabilitation initiatives should be adequately funded just as the centres should be set up in every state of the Federation. The governors should contribute counterpart funds and donate lands for the setting upnof drugs rehabilitation centres in their states for the benefits of their good people.

This is not the time for politics or dillydally or filibuster by politicians who often quarrel over partisan values but this is a time for collective and renewed commitment across partisan lines towards supporting the courageous efforts of the NDLEA. Individuals like Aliko Dangote amongst others should build, equip and donate drugs rehabilitation homes and donate to the NDLEA to manage.

I admit that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is doing well in supporting the counter narcotics war by the NDLEA but I encourage the president to do even more so he builds an enduring legacy for himself.

*EMMANUEL NNADOZIE ONWUBIKO is the founder of HUMAN RIGHTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA and was NATIONAL COMMISSIONER OF THE NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION OF NIGERIA.