JUST IN; NDLEA proposes mandatory drug-test for driver’s licence applicants in Nigeria
JUST IN; NDLEA proposes mandatory drug-test for driver’s licence applicants in Nigeria
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) is proposing mandatory drug integrity tests for drivers seeking licences.
The News Agency of Nigeria NAN) reports that the test is part of efforts to curb the rising cases of drug-influenced road crashes across the country.
The NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa disclosed this in a goodwill message at the National Summit of the Special Marshals of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on Wednesday in Abuja.
Marwa, who was represented by a Deputy Commandant General of Narcotics (DCGN) Mr Umoru Ambrose described FRSC and NDLEA as “partners in progress”.
He emphasised that while the Corps was on the roads to prevent accidents and assist victims, the NDLEA focused on addressing the underlying causes of crashes, security problems and health challenges.
“From research over the years, we have found out that drug abuse plays a very significant role in the accidents on most of our highways.
“It is in that respect that NDLEA has been collaborating with the FRSC,” he said.
Marwa revealed that both agencies were working on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that was nearing completion and would benefit the public once unveiled.
According to him, the NDLEA has done its part, and the agency is waiting for the FRSC to also finalise theirs.
“One of the key impacts of the MoU is the issue of drug integrity tests.
“The agency is already propagating drug tests in several organisations, certainly, extending the measure to transport sector is necessary given FRSC’s role in ensuring safety on our highways.
“That is why we are advocating that drivers should undergo drug tests even before they apply for their licences.
“NDLEA has already trained professionals who are going to train FRSC officials so that they can conduct on-the-spot drug tests for drivers,” he revealed.
Marwa added that the initiative would serve as a deterrent to commercial drivers who may indulge in alcohol and other psychoactive substances on the highways.
The NDLEA boss further said that the planned collaboration would enable FRSC and NDLEA operatives to assess both drivers and passengers during joint highway operations.
“In fact, we don’t like commercial drivers on our roads indulging in drugs or alcohol.
“With this measure, FRSC and NDLEA on the highways will be able to assess drivers and conduct spot drug tests.
“Once it is ready, the NDLEA will bring it to the road for implementation,” he assured.
Marwa thanked the organisers for inviting the agency to the summit, describing it as a platform that reinforces collaboration between institutions working to safeguard lives.
In her opening remarks, Deputy Corps Marshal (DCM) Pauline Olaye described the National Summit of Special Marshals as a historic opportunity to reflect on past achievements, confront present challenges, and chart new strategies to improve road safety on Nigerian roads.
Olaye commended the commitment and sacrifices of special marshals in advancing the mandate of FRSC.
She added that special marshal initiative had over the years become one of the most enduring platforms for citizen participation in road safety management and advocacy.
“Their sacrifice, passion and dedication as volunteers continue to complement the statutory mandate of the FRSC, and for this, we remain grateful,” she said.
Olaye said that the theme of 2025 summit “Special Marshals’ Strategic Role in Road Safety Administration”, was timely and inspiring.
The deputy corps marshal said it aligned the work of the corps and its volunteers with emerging realities in administration, technology, and public engagement.
She hailed the volunteerism of special marshals across the country, stressing that when driven by passion and patriotism, it had the power to leave a lasting mark on the society. (NAN)
News
Govt. introduces solar installation, garment making, GSM repairs in jss curriculum
Govt. introduces solar installation, garment making, GSM repairs in jss curriculum
The Anambra Government has introduced 15 entrepreneurial subjects into the Junior Secondary School (JSS) curriculum to enhance students’ practical skills and foster an entrepreneurial mindset.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the new subjects include solar installation, garment making, GSM repairs, agriculture and processing, plumbing, tiling, POP installation and event management.
Others are bakery, hairstyling, make-up, interior design, CCTV/intercom installation, digital literacy, information technology and robotics.
Prof. Nkechi Ikediugwu, Chairperson ,Post Primary Schools Service Commission (PPSSC), while speaking at the occasion in Awka on Friday, said the initiative was aimed at repositioning education to meet contemporary needs.
Ikediugwu noted that in a rapidly changing world, education should go beyond theory and examinations to equip students with practical skills, creativity, innovation and an entrepreneurial mindset.
“The goal of the programme is to prepare learners, not only to seek jobs but to create value, generate employment and contribute meaningfully to the economic development of the state,”she said.
Mr Cyril Nwuche of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, delivered a paper titled “Building Entrepreneurial Secondary Schools: Why Every School Needs an Entrepreneurship Club”.
Nwuche said the introduction of entrepreneurial subjects showed that the government was on the path to transforming the state’s economy.
“Traditional academic instruction alone is no longer sufficient to prepare children for the future.
“There is the need for schools to embrace practical and skill-based learning to enable students to thrive in a dynamic global environment, ” he said. (NAN)
News
Two men docked for allegedly defiling underaged girl
Two men docked for allegedly defiling underaged girl
The police in Lagos on Friday, charged two men before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly defiling an 11- year-old girl.
The defendants are: Prince Tomnyie, 40, a businessman, who resides at Agege, and Micheal Adenuga, 24, a furniture maker, who resides at Atere Street in Lekki.
They are standing trial on charges of defilement, and had each pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The prosecutor, ASP Adegoke Ademigbuji told the court that they committed the offence sometimes in December 2024, and September 2025, at Langbasa Ajah and Igbara Lekki, Lagos .
The prosecutor alleged that the victim’s father, had taken his daughter for medical check and it was discovered that the minor had been defiled.
The prosecution alleged that the victim had told her father that his friend, Tomnyie, defiled her sometimes ago.
Ademigbuji alleged that the victim also mentioned the second defendant’s name who lives in their neigbourhood.
The offence contravenes the provisons of section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos, 2015.
The Chief Magistrate, Mr L. A Owolabi, granted the defendants bail in the sum of of N600,000 each, with two sureties each in like sum.
He adjourned the case until March 5, for mention. (NAN)
News
Report any officer asking for money for release of suspect as Police insist bail is free
Report any officer asking for money for release of suspect as Police insist bail is free
The Police Command in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has insisted that bail is free, and called on the public to report any officer asking for money to release a suspect on bail.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the FCT, SP Josephine Adeh, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.
Adeh spoke in reaction to public outcry that some police officers were demanding money to release suspects on bail in the territory.
She said the report of the erring officers would serve as a deterrent to others, adding that it was fraudulent to demand for money to release a suspect on bail.
Adeh blamed the yielding to such fraudulent demand on ignorance on the part of the victims who refused to stand on their rights.
“A similar case was reported where an officer demanded money to release a suspect on bail and when the matter was reported, we requested for evidence from the victim.
“The evidence was provided because the money was transferred to the officer’s account and actions are being taken on the issue.
“So, I encourage the public to take advantage of the FCT Police Complaint Response Unit (CRU) lines on 08107314192 to report such misconduct with evidence,” she said.
Adeh urged the public to always insist on their rights and refuse any form of payment to release a suspect on bail.(NAN)
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