The Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) were considering the possibilities of conducting drug test on drivers to curb the abuse of drugs.
This is even as the leaders of NARTO have pledged to work with the anti-narcotic agency to curb the use of truck and passenger vehicles to traffic illicit drugs as part ongoing offensive action against substance abuse and trafficking across Nigeria.
Speaking at a meeting with the NDLEA chairman, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Marwa (rtd) in Abuja on Thursday, National President of NARTO, Alhaji Yusuf Lawal Othman, who led other leaders of the transport union on a courtesy visit to the agency’s national headquarters, said the visit was not just ceremonial but 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 recognise 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,” Othman said.
NDLEA’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi said Othman also proposed “sensitisation and training of NARTO drivers and transport operators on identifying and reporting suspicious cargo or behavior.
The transport body also sought the support NDLEA’s support for the establishment of joint intelligence-sharing mechanisms to monitor drug trafficking routes and tactics; 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.
In his response, Gen. Marwa assured the delegation of the preparedness of NDLEA to work with the organisation.
The NDLEA boss further said, “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 at your Parks and Depots.”
He urged road transport owners to always conduct background checks on drivers they give their vehicles to ensure they were not linked to any drug trafficking syndicate or hooked on illicit substances.
This, he said will save the transport vehicles owners the risk of losing their vehicles in avoidable crashes or to the government if caught being used as instruments of illicit drug trafficking.
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