The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has launched a digital platform designed to make its drug integrity test and visa clearance processes seamless, more accessible, and efficient, while curbing the scourge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria.

The portal was unveiled at a press conference to flag off the digitization of the Agency’s Drug Integrity Test and Visa E-Administration System (DITViCAS) on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, in Abuja. The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), represented by the Agency’s Secretary, Shadrach Haruna, declared that the launch signifies “a paradigm shift in our fight against the scourge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking, a moment where enforcement meets efficiency, and commitment merges with cutting-edge technology.”

Marwa said that in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Agency has maintained an aggressive, balanced, and uncompromising approach to tackling the menace of illicit substances, focusing on two critical fronts: Drug Supply Reduction and Drug Demand Reduction.

“For years, the process of obtaining an NDLEA Visa Clearance Certificate, required by certain source and transit countries, has been characterized by documentation, physical appearances, and lengthy verification cycles. This manual process was prone to human interference, delays, and other challenges.

“With the flag-off of the Online Visa Clearance Portal today, we are bringing an end to those bottlenecks. The system delivers automation across all processes and operations associated with the administration of the Drug Integrity Test and Visa Clearance, with interfaces for effective collaboration with partner agencies.

“It is also important to note that we have made provision on the system for private medical centres to partner with the Agency as accredited centres for the Drug Integrity Test. The system brings efficiency, flexibility, and convenience to the process. Following this ceremony, applicants for the Drug Integrity Test and Visa Clearance can now apply from home, choose a preferred location, and book a convenient date for both the applicant and the NDLEA desk officer, without having to wait all day at the NDLEA office.

“With the E-Certification and Verification system, the process eliminates drug and visa clearance certificate falsification and establishes reliability and transparency, with supervisory dashboards across our commands, formations, and headquarters.

“The extension of the service to students of tertiary institutions and others will significantly foster drug demand reduction across the country without stigmatization, while our rehabilitation and counselling centres remain open for those who test positive to ensure that no one is left without care.”

Speaking further, the NDLEA boss explained that “the portal integrates sophisticated background check protocols, ensuring that the certificate remains a robust security instrument that safeguards Nigeria’s international reputation and prevents drug syndicates from exploiting legitimate travel channels. This is a commitment to the Nigerian citizen, a commitment to stress-free, integrity-driven public service delivery.

He added that the Agency’s primary mission is to save lives, hence its advocacy for the Drug Integrity Test, which is founded on the principle of prevention rather than punishment. It serves as an early-warning system designed to help individuals who may be experimenting with substances, giving them an opportunity for intervention and treatment before dependence sets in.

According to him, “This new digital portal allows institutions, organizations, and individuals, including parents and prospective couples, to apply for drug integrity tests seamlessly. It provides a verified, standardized, and secure process for testing and issuing certificates. It is a non-judgmental pathway designed to support our national drive for demand reduction, fostering healthier communities, safer workplaces, and a more secure national labour force. This is the future of our War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, proactive, compassionate, and data-driven.

“This initiative is proof that the NDLEA is committed to leveraging technology to combat the evolving complexities of drug trafficking and abuse. It is part of a broader strategy to digitize all our operations, ensuring our processes are modern, secure, and world-class. The war against drug abuse is one we must win for the sake of our youth, our families, and the future of our nation. With technology as our ally, we are better equipped, stronger, and more resolved than ever before.”

He urged all stakeholders to embrace the new system and make full use of the platform, stressing that its success is a shared responsibility.

The House of Representatives has passed a resolution to safeguard strategic private investments in Nigeria from future industrial actions.

This follows the recent strike action by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, over its dispute with the Dangote Refinery.

The resolution was adopted after a motion jointly sponsored by Ado Doguwa and Abdussamad Dasuki was presented on the floor of the House.

The lawmakers, in the motion, stressed that the Dangote Refinery is located within a Free Trade Zone, FTZ, and as such, the strike action allegedly violated provisions of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority, NEPZA, Act.

DAILY POST reports that the Act stipulates a 10-year no-strike rule for investments operating within FTZs.

The House expressed concern that the recent industrial action may have breached the NEPZA Act and warned of the potential consequences such disruptions could have on investor confidence and the country’s economic outlook.

The lawmakers further noted the financial losses incurred during the three-day strike and called on the Federal Government to urgently intervene and ensure that such disputes are resolved without jeopardizing vital economic assets.

The House also resolved to work on policy frameworks that will prevent similar occurrences in the future and charged its leadership to engage with stakeholders to address the growing concerns around labour actions affecting major private sector investments.

The Lagos State Government has disbursed over N1bn pension to 463 retirees from the state’s civil service.

The sum of N1,006,057,173.45 was credited into the Retirement Savings Accounts of retirees drawn from the mainstream civil service, local governments, local council development areas, the State Universal Basic Education Board, Teaching Service Commission, and other state parastatals.

Speaking at the 111th Retirement Bond Certificate Presentation Ceremony held at the NECA Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja, on Monday, the Head of Service, Bode Agoro, described the event as a testament to the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration’s commitment to the welfare of workers, both serving and retired.

“Under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s leadership, Lagos has remained consistent in ensuring the prompt presentation of bond certificates to retirees, leading to the speedy payment of their retirement benefits,” Agoro said, adding that the gesture reflected the huge premium the governor placed on the welfare and well-being of senior citizens.

Agoro, who was represented by the Director, Post Service, Public Service Office, Bukola Durodola, urged the beneficiaries to use their entitlements judiciously, saying that the state government remained committed to the welfare of retirees after service.

In his welcome address, the Director-General of LASPEC, Babalola Obilana, said Governor Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to regular pension payments had positioned Lagos as a model of effective pension administration in Nigeria.

“Despite the economic challenges faced globally and locally, Lagos State remains one of the few in the federation that consistently fulfils its pension obligations,” Obilana said.

“This feat has been achieved through prudent financial management, fiscal discipline, and the governor’s strong political will to prioritise retirees’ welfare,” he added.

Obilana noted that LASPEC had automated its processes to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency.

In September, LASPEC also disbursed N1.52bn retirement bonds to 798 retirees.

Last week, it assured retiring public servants of prompt processing and remittance of their benefits, provided their documentation was in order.

The National Assembly, on Monday,  mourned the death of Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Saidu Paiko, the Commanding Officer of the 202 Tank Battalion, and several other soldiers killed in a terrorist ambush in Borno State.

The Senate Committee on Army, in a condolence message signed by its Chairman, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, described the fallen soldiers as gallant patriots who gave their lives in defence of the nation.

“On behalf of the Senate Committee on Army, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, the Nigerian Army, and the families of the gallant officers and soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty,” Yar’Adua said.

He assured the Nigerian Army of the legislature’s continued support, pledging that the Senate would “work tirelessly to provide adequate resources and welfare” for troops battling insecurity across the country.

The committee also prayed that Almighty Allah grants the fallen heroes Jannatul Firdaus and comforts their families.

“May their sacrifice never be in vain, and may their memory continue to inspire us to work towards a safer and more prosperous Nigeria,” the statement added.

Earlier on Monday, the Nigerian Army confirmed that Paiko and a few other soldiers were killed during a fierce gun duel with Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists around the Kashimri area of Bama Local Government Area.

In a statement, the acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Appolonia Anele, said the troops of Operation HADIN KAI under the 21 Special Armoured Brigade had successfully foiled a planned attack by the insurgents on October 17, 2025.

“However, the encounter took its toll on our side, as the Commanding Officer, 202 Tank Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Saidu Paiko, and a few other valiant soldiers paid the supreme price as they fell in battle,” Anele said.

She added that the troops neutralised several terrorists and destroyed identified Boko Haram camps during the operation.

“The Nigerian Army will continue to honour the weight of their sacrifices. Their loss reminds us of our unyielding resolve to stamp out terrorism from our great nation,” the statement read.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, also extended condolences to the families of the deceased, describing them as “not just soldiers but fathers, brothers, and sons who displayed immeasurable courage in the face of adversity.”

Anele appealed to the public and the media to avoid sharing images of the fallen personnel to preserve their dignity and protect their families’ privacy.

The killing of Lt. Col. Paiko and his men marks yet another tragic blow to the military in its ongoing counterinsurgency campaign in the North-East.

Military sources said the troops were on a clearance operation when they came under heavy fire from terrorists. Despite fierce resistance, Paiko and several of his men were overwhelmed by superior enemy firepower.

The latest incident follows a spate of deadly attacks in Borno. In September, suspected Boko Haram fighters stormed Darajamal in Bama Local Government Area, killing 58 civilians and five soldiers.

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, who visited the scene, confirmed that “63 people lost their lives, both civilians and military, although the civilian casualties are more.” He also called for the deployment of newly trained forest guards to support the military in securing vulnerable communities.

Similarly, terrorists recently attacked the 152 Task Force Battalion in Banki, another Bama community, killing one soldier and five civilians. Several survivors were evacuated across the border to Mora, Cameroon, for treatment, while many residents fled their homes.

Defence Headquarters spokesperson, Major General Markus Kangye, confirmed the Banki attack, saying, “Our troops were not dislodged as alleged. There was a serious firefight, and although we lost a soldier, the troops remain in control of their base.”

Until his death, Lt. Col. Paiko was widely regarded as a brave and disciplined officer with an outstanding record in counterinsurgency operations.

His death, alongside that of his troops, has been described as a huge loss to the Nigerian Army and the nation at large.

The Federal Road Safety Corps has announced the introduction of a contactless biometric capture system for driver’s licence issuance, marking a significant shift toward digitalisation in Nigeria’s motor vehicle administration.

The development came as the agency launched its 2025 Ember Months Road Safety Campaign aimed at reducing road accidents during the busy festive period.

The campaign, launched on Monday in Abuja, is tagged “Tech Responsibility for Your Safety: Stop Distracted Driving.”

It targets dangerous driving behaviours often linked to increased crashes between December 15 and January 15.

Speaking during the flag-off, Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed, said the new licence system would not only eliminate delays but also remove the need for temporary documents.

“We have activated plans to overcome the perennial challenges associated with delays in obtaining the drivers licence and number plates. Our printing facility has been upgraded to print an average of 15,000 drivers licence daily.

“This production average will be increased to clear the backlog before the second week of November 2025,” Mohammed said.

He further announced that the FRSC was “about to commence the contactless biometric capture with on-spot printing of the licence, which will eliminate temporary licences thereby signaling the beginning of digitalised one-stop-shop for processing drivers licence.

“With this development, it is expected that delays and other challenges related to the national drivers licence will be history.”

The corps marshal explained that the new system was developed in consultation with relevant stakeholders, including state governments, noting that licensing falls under a concurrent legislative list.

“Globally, we have seen how driver’s licence has been obtained. As soon as you come, you get the driver’s licence. What matters is the comprehensive data, the adequate data that will be stored for usage at any given time,” he said.

He further explained that the system would fully integrate existing driving school, Vehicle Inspection Office, and certification processes, but with a faster and streamlined approach.

“Once you reach the point of capture, you get captured and you get your driver’s licence instantly. There is no longer going to be a temporary driver’s licence. There’s no longer going to be two weeks, one month, six months, one year before you get your driver’s licence,” Mohammed stated.

He said the new process is also synchronised with the National Identification Number database, ensuring data consistency and seamless identity verification.

He described the new contactless fingerprint system as “seamless,” saying it allows biometric data to be captured without physical contact, using advanced technology that reads fingerprints from a short distance.

The FRSC has also enhanced its cooperation with state governments and agencies such as the VIO and state revenue boards to ensure seamless implementation of the new system nationwide.

During a press tour of the FRSC’s Driver’s Licence Print Farm on Monday, Deputy Corps Marshal in charge of Motor Vehicle Administration, Aliyu Datsama, confirmed that the contactless system is already operational and will be rolled out across the country, including Lagos.

Crucially, Datsama disclosed that the corps had been dealing with a massive “backlog of 800,000 unprocessed driver’s licences, which has now been reduced to 400,000.”

“We are now working 24/7 to clear the remaining backlog.

“Our current daily production capacity is 40,000 licences, and by the grace of God, we will clear everything in the next few weeks,” he stated.

He also urged Nigerians who have already completed capture to check and collect their licences, noting that “over 206,000 licences remain unclaimed across various states.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, said it has kicked off negotiation with the federal government over its ongoing industrial action.

The union disclosed this in a Strike Bulletin No. 2, issued by the National Strike Coordinating Committee (NSCC) and signed by Dr Christopher Piwuna at the weekend.

This comes as ASUU announced a two-week warning strike on Monday last week, which grounded activities in Nigerian public universities.

In an update, the union said its members are united and resolute in their industrial action.

According to ASUU, progress has been made in some areas, including the release of third-party deductions, payment of promotion arrears, mainstreaming of Earned Academic Allowances (EAA), resolution of issues surrounding the confiscation of the University of Abuja land, and the victimisation of members at Kogi State University (KSU), Lagos State University (LASU), and the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO).

“Our members have shown exemplary commitment to the struggle. We must remain united and resolute in the few days ahead,” it stated.

The Federal Government, on Sunday, broke its silence over reports of an alleged failed coup to topple the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, in an interview with The PUNCH on Sunday, said the government had faith in the military and had no reason to doubt the position of the Defence Headquarters, which on Saturday dismissed the report of a coup as fake.

On Saturday, in a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, the military had denied a news report by Sahara Reporters, linking the detention of 16 military officers to a failed coup.

The online newspaper had linked the alleged coup to the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day by the Federal Government.

Dismissing the report, however, in an official statement on Saturday, Gusau condemned the report, saying it was “intended to cause unnecessary tension and distrust among the populace.”

Gusau said the cancellation of the October 1 anniversary parade was “purely administrative,” explaining that it was meant to allow President Tinubu to attend a bilateral meeting abroad and enable troops to sustain ongoing operations against insurgency and banditry.

While declaring that “Democracy is forever,” Gusau said, “The ongoing investigation involving the 16 officers is a routine internal process aimed at ensuring discipline and professionalism is maintained within the ranks. An investigative panel has been duly constituted, and its findings would be made public.”

When contacted on Sunday for the Federal Government’s position on the development, the information minister responded that it was “a military affair”.

“The Federal Government has no reason to doubt the military on what it has said,” the minister said. “The Federal Government believes that the Armed Forces of Nigeria is committed to ensuring the territorial integrity of the country and also strengthening its fight against insecurity.

“The Federal Government commends the military, and it will continue to support them in their task of ensuring the security of Nigeria.”

However, the opposition parties in the country are calling on the Federal Government and the military authorities to come clean and ensure transparency.

Speaking with The PUNCH on Sunday, the National Publicity Secretary of the New Nigeria People’s Party, Ladipo Johnson, said Nigerians deserved to know the truth about the alleged coup plot and the nature of the charges against the detained officers.

“They should let us know what actually happened. We have to know the charges and whether they are facing court-martial or not.

“So, we will know with time whether the military was lying to us or whether the news of soldiers planning a coup is true. Whichever way, we ought to know. That is part of the due process,” he said.

Similarly, the Interim National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, Tony Akeni, said it was concerning that the military is “speaking with two mouths.”

“If it is as severe as we tend to think, then we ought to be cautious in making comments. Because, first, the military is speaking with two mouths.

“Secondly, they said those in detention are there because of some disciplinary measures. Yet, we have sources within the rank and file saying there indeed was an issue of that nature (coup),” he said.

He appealed to the military to “be courageous, according to the oath of their service, to bring the actual facts to the public so that innocent lives do not suffer.”

Also weighing in, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Dr Yunusa Tanko, said it was important to verify the authenticity of the alleged coup story before drawing conclusions.

“First of all, you need to establish the truth of the matter before you can suggest punitive measures. There are people already insinuating that this particular statement is planted news by the government in power in order to gain traction,” he noted, adding that public discontent over the government’s performance may have fueled the rumour.

“People are hungry and tired of being manipulated. So, we are not surprised the anger has gone to that particular level even in the military,” Tanko added.

In its Saturday statement, the military reaffirmed its commitment to Nigeria’s democratic institutions and urged Nigerians to disregard rumours of instability.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain firmly loyal to the Constitution and the Federal Government under the leadership of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Tinubu. Democracy is forever,” Gusau stated.

Meanwhile, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has warned against any attempt to truncate Nigeria’s democratic process, declaring that a military takeover would spell doom for the country.

The group also reaffirmed its support for President Tinubu’s administration, urging Nigerians to resist any unconstitutional change of government.

Speaking in an interview with The PUNCH in Ibadan, Oyo State, Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, said a military coup would set the country back by decades.

He said, “The constitution clearly stated that government cannot be changed except through constitutional means.”

Ajayi urged ambitious officers not to embark on any “calamitous mission,” and warned those inciting such an act to desist, describing a coup as “an ill wind.”

He noted that although the situation in the country might appear challenging, military rule was not the solution.

“The current administration under President Bola Tinubu is trying its best to re-engineer Nigeria. It is hoped that very soon, relief would be had in many areas in which people appear to be feeling some pinches.

“It is a known fact that many military putsches were not informed by patriotism but by selfish interests. At the moment, there is no justification for changing the government in Nigeria by force,” he insisted.

Ajayi added, “It is heartwarming to hear the spokesman for the military, General Gusau, declaring that there is no coup, and that some military officers who were arrested are being investigated.”

Similarly, Afenifere’s National Organising Secretary, Abagun Kole Omololu, in a separate statement on Sunday, condemned any plot or attempt to overthrow the government, saying Nigeria’s growing democracy must not be truncated.

The Police Service Commission has reinstated several police officers who were previously sanctioned, following a comprehensive review of disciplinary cases.

In a statement on Sunday, the PSC spokesperson, Ikechukwu Ani, said the commission reviewed 24 appeals and one pending disciplinary matter during its plenary session.

He explained that the decisions were taken to uphold fairness and justice in the administration of police discipline.

Among those reinstated was ACP Ejiofor Obiageli, who was compulsorily retired after an incident on September 8, 2023, at Old Netim Division, Akamkpa, Cross River State.

“The commission approved her reinstatement from the date of her compulsory retirement and directed that she be properly placed to be at par with her mates,” Ani said.

He added that ACP Muhammad Yunusa was freed from a punishment of severe reprimand, while the rank of CSP Ihekandu  Okwuonu was restored and he was reinstated, subject to his date of retirement.

“SP Clement Awoyemi also got the commission’s approval for the adjustment of his date of reinstatement, while ASPs Bamiselu Oluwaseun, Ahmed Monday, and Imoohi Doora were all reinstated,” Ani stated.

The commission also dismissed petitions against Deputy Inspector-General of Police  Bzigu Dali, describing allegations of falsified records against him as frivolous.

“The commission noted that as the exclusive body on police discipline, the warning letter issued to the officer, which did not emanate from the commission, was null and void. It also quashed the reversal of his date of birth from April 10, 1967, to April 10, 1966, which was done via a signal,” the statement added.

The PSC Chairman, DIG Hashimu Argungu (retd.), promised that the commission would continue to ensure justice in all disciplinary cases, noting that officers cleared of wrongdoing should not have their careers stalled by administrative lapses.

“The commission will henceforth ensure that pending disciplinary matters are treated with dispatch so that those found culpable are made to face the consequences, while those exonerated are freed to continue with their career progression,” Argungu said.

“The commission will not at any time impede the career progression of any officer who is not found guilty of any misdemeanour.”

Ani also disclosed that, at the commencement of its second plenary meeting on Thursday, the commission approved the promotion of several deserving officers, including the appointment of a new Deputy Inspector-General of Police and the elevation of one Commissioner of Police to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General.

Among those promoted were SP Omenihu Obinna, Commander, Anti-Cult Unit, Abia State Command; DSP Bankole Olajide Joseph, Commander, Bank Guard, Lagos State Command; and several others confirmed as Assistant Superintendents of Police, including Ede Stella Ukamaka of the Police Hospital, Awka, Anambra State; Omeife Bethrand Emeka of 45 PMF, Force Headquarters, Abuja; and Nnamdi Nwoba, O/C Surveillance, Ubakala Division, Abia State Command.

ASP Adeyemi Adeola, Chief of Staff to the Chairman of a Lagos State Task Force, was also promoted to the rank of DSP.

The reinstatements and promotions, Ani noted, are part of the commission’s broader efforts to restore confidence in its disciplinary processes and correct administrative injustices within the Nigeria Police Force.

Over the years, several officers have petitioned the PSC over what they described as wrongful sanctions, arbitrary punishments, and flawed disciplinary proceedings.