NDLEA, NARTO Forge Alliance to Combat Drug Trafficking on Nigerian Highways

T The Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) has pledged to collaborate with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to prevent the misuse of commercial trucks and passenger vehicles for the transportation of illicit substances.

The commitment was made on Thursday, July 24, 2025, when the National President of NARTO, Alhaji Yusuf Lawal Othman, led a delegation of transport union leaders on a courtesy visit to the Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), at the Agency’s National Headquarters in Abuja.

Commending the NDLEA boss for his courage, vision, and patriotism, Othman said, “This visit is not just ceremonial; it is purposeful and timely. It reflects our deep appreciation for the NDLEA’s efforts and our readiness, as a key stakeholder in the road transport sector, to align with your mission.”

He acknowledged the dual role of NARTO’s vast fleet, which crisscrosses all regions of the country—facilitating commerce and connectivity—while sometimes being unwittingly used for drug trafficking. “We at NARTO are committed to reversing that narrative. We believe this collaboration with the NDLEA is both necessary and urgent, and we are ready to play our part,” he added.

To support the success of this partnership, Othman proposed a number of strategic initiatives, including:

Sensitization and training of drivers and transport operators on how to detect and report suspicious cargo or behavior;

Establishment of joint intelligence-sharing mechanisms to monitor drug trafficking routes and evolving tactics;

Deployment of NDLEA liaison officers at major NARTO parks and depots nationwide;

Public awareness campaigns leveraging NARTO’s national reach to educate both drivers and passengers about the risks and consequences of drug abuse and trafficking;

Routine drug testing for commercial vehicle drivers to ensure safety and compliance.

The visit signals a significant step toward strengthening inter-agency and stakeholder collaboration in the nation’s ongoing war against drug abuse and trafficking.