NARTO Joins Forces with NDLEA to Combat Drug Trafficking

The Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) has vowed to partner with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to tackle the use of trucks and passenger vehicles for smuggling illegal drugs across Nigeria. 

This collaboration strengthens the ongoing nationwide campaign against drug abuse and trafficking.

The pledge was announced on Thursday by NARTO’s National President, Alhaji Yusuf Othman, during a courtesy visit to the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja, accompanied by other union leaders. 

In a statement released by NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, Othman praised the agency’s leadership under Marwa for its bold vision and patriotic efforts.

Othman  said the visit reflected the association’s deep appreciation of NDLEA’s efforts and its readiness as a key stakeholder in the road transport sector to align with Marwa’s 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 recognize 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,” he said.

To achieve the success of the collaboration, Othman proposed sensitisation and training of NARTO drivers and transport operators on identifying and reporting suspicious cargo or behaviour.

He also recommended establishment of joint intelligence-sharing mechanisms to monitor drug trafficking routes and tactics.

“The deployment of NDLEA liaison officers at major NARTO parks and depots across the federation.

“Another thing is, public awareness campaigns, using our national footprint to educate drivers and passengers on the dangers of drug trafficking and abuse,” he said.

Othman reaffirmed NARTO’s unwavering stand on the drug scourge, saying “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.”

In his response, the NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa assured them of the preparedness of NDLEA to work with NARTO.
“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 you at your parks and depots,” Marwa said.

He urged road transport owners to always conduct background checks on drivers they give their vehicles to ensure they are not linked to any drug trafficking syndicate or hooked on illicit substances.

This, he said would save the transport vehicles owners the risk of losing their vehicles in avoidable crashes or to the government in case they’re caught being used as instruments of illicit drug trafficking.

NAN