As part of ongoing efforts to combat substance abuse and trafficking across Nigeria, the leaders of the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) have pledged to collaborate with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to prevent the use of trucks and passenger vehicles for trafficking illicit drugs.
NARTO’s National President, Alhaji Yusuf Lawal Othman, made the commitment on Thursday, July 24, when he led a NARTO delegation on a courtesy visit to NDLEA’s Chairman/CEO, retired Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa, at the agency’s Abuja headquarters.
According to Femi Babafemi, NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, in a statement to Persecondnews, Othman commended Marwa’s courage, vision, and patriotism in the leadership of the agency.
Othman said: “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 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.”
To achieve the success of the collaboration, Othman proposed the following measures: “Sensitization and training of NARTO drivers and transport operators on identifying and reporting suspicious cargo or behavior.
“Establishment of joint intelligence-sharing mechanisms to monitor drug trafficking routes and tactics; deployment of NDLEA liaison officers at majour NARTO parks and depots across the federation.
“Public awareness campaigns, using our national footprint to educate drivers and passengers on the dangers of drug trafficking and abuse.”
While reaffirming NARTO’s unwavering stand on the drug scourge, he said: “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.”
Marwa, in his response, expressed the NDLEA’s readiness to collaborate with NARTO, saying, “Having had a good relationship with NARTO since my days in Lagos, I am pleased you are concerned about Nigeria’s drug issue. We are more than willing to work with you at your parks and depots.”
He advised road transport owners to always screen their drivers to prevent any potential links to drug trafficking or substance abuse.
“By doing so, transport owners can mitigate the risk of vehicle confiscation or loss due to accidents linked to drug-related activities.”
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