The Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) has called for increased sensitisation and training of its members on the dangers of drug trafficking and abuse.
This appeal was made by NARTO National President, Yusuf Othman, during a courtesy visit to the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.
The visit was highlighted in a statement issued by the NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi.
Othman expressed the union’s willingness to work closely with the NDLEA to prevent the use of trucks and passenger vehicles for transporting illicit drugs across Nigeria. He acknowledged that while their vehicles serve as vital channels of trade and connectivity, these same routes are sometimes exploited by criminal elements.
“We believe a partnership with the NDLEA is both timely and essential. We are committed to playing our role,” Othman said.
He also proposed several measures to support the fight against drug trafficking, including:
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Sensitisation and training of NARTO drivers and operators on how to detect and report suspicious activities or cargo;
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Establishment of joint intelligence-sharing frameworks;
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Deployment of NDLEA liaison officers at major NARTO parks and depots nationwide;
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Public awareness campaigns to educate the broader public.
In response, Marwa welcomed the proposed partnership and affirmed the NDLEA’s readiness to collaborate with NARTO. He also advised transport owners to conduct proper background checks on their drivers to prevent involvement in drug-related crimes.
According to Marwa, such due diligence helps protect vehicle owners from the risks of losing their assets either through accidents or government seizure when linked to drug trafficking activities.
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