NDLEA warns drivers against substance abuse 

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has warned commercial drivers against the dangers of drug abuse.

An NDLEA officer, Ndubuisi Agabus, issued the warning during a medical outreach for drivers at Dei-Dei motor park in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, as part of the Drivers’ Care Initiative, introduced by Transporters for Tinubu 2027.

The initiative focuses on free eye testing and care, sensitisation of commercial drivers on drug abuse, and access to soft loans through the Transporters Cooperative Society.

Addressing drivers during the programme, Agabus said a large number of road accidents in Nigeria are linked to drug use and urged the transporters to stay away from substances that impair judgment.

According to him, commonly used items like kolanut, alcohol and coffee are socially accepted but can affect mood and judgment when taken in excess. The NDLEA official also raised concern about the sale of high-dose Tramadol in parks and markets, describing the 250mg variant as banned and dangerous.

“When someone buys and takes 250mg of Tramadol, their perception on the road changes. They may see a person crossing and think it’s a fly passing,” Agabus said.

He equally linked drug abuse to other crimes such as kidnapping and armed robbery and urged drivers to avoid influences that promote drug use.

“Your wife loves you. Your children want you home. Your parents expect you alive. Don’t drink and drive. Don’t abuse any substance when you are about to drive,” he said.

He led the gathering in a chant, “Say no to drugs, say yes to life.”

Agabus called on transport unions to partner with the NDLEA in spreading the message across motor parks nationwide.

In order to prevent accidents on the roads, eye checks were conducted on commercial drivers at the event.

Programme Director of the Drivers’ Care Initiative, Mrs Chinwe Uwaegbute, said the initiative aims to address health and welfare issues affecting transport operators in the country.

She noted that regular eye health is critical for accident prevention.

“Drivers may be confident on familiar routes, but that confidence must be backed by regular medical checks. Today is day four of this initiative, and we are glad to bring it to drivers at Dei Dei Park. We want to ensure their eyes are healthy and their bodies are fit. This is our way of saying thank you for keeping Nigeria moving.

“Transportation is central to national development, and drivers work hard to keep the economy moving. But the nature of their work exposes them to health challenges, fatigue, and welfare concerns that affect road safety,” Uwaegbute said.

Uwaegbute added that road safety requires collaboration between agencies like the FRSC, VIO, and NDLEA, as well as transport unions and private sector partners.

She described the initiative as consistent with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on human capacity development and social responsibility.

An optometrist conducted free eye tests for drivers at the park while care was provided for those with vision problems that could affect their ability to drive safely.

Andy Okoho, a representative of the Transporters Cooperative, said membership allows drivers to save for vehicle purchases, access emergency funds, and obtain low-interest loans within 48 hours.

Chairman of the Road Transport Employees Association of Nigeria, RTEAN, FCT Chapter, Alhaji Musa Saidu, commended President Tinubu’s policies, especially 50 percent passenger fare reduction during the last Christmas season and the provision of CNG buses for intra-city and interstate travel.

Saidu urged drivers to avoid drug abuse and prioritise safety, and called on organisers to sustain the initiative for the long-term benefit of transport workers.

NDLEA warns drivers against substance abuse