SPEECH BY THE NATIONAL PRESIDENT OF THE NIGERIAN ASSOCIATION OF ROAD TRANSPORT OWNERS (NARTO), ALHAJI YUSUF LAWAL OTHMAN, DURING A COURTESY VISIT TO THE NATIONAL DRUG LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY (NDLEA) ON TUESDAY, 15TH JULY, 2025
The Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA,
Officers of the Agency,
Esteemed colleagues and members of the NARTO delegation,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Good afternoon.
It is with great honour and a deep sense of duty that I stand here today, leading this delegation of the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) on a courtesy visit to the NDLEA.
Let me begin by sincerely commending the exemplary leadership of Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa (Retired), whose tenure as Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA has ushered in a new era of professionalism, innovation, and results-oriented drug control efforts in Nigeria.
Under his stewardship, NDLEA has recorded unprecedented successes in dismantling drug trafficking syndicates, intercepting massive drug consignments, and expanding rehabilitation and prevention programs across the country. From record-breaking seizures of cocaine and methamphetamine, to the introduction of community-based drug abuse prevention campaigns and the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative, his impact has been bold, strategic, and commendable.
General Marwa has not only repositioned the NDLEA as a proactive and globally respected institution, but has also inspired renewed public confidence in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria.
Sir, we salute your courage, vision, and patriotism.
This visit today is not just ceremonial; it is purposeful and timely. It reflects our deep appreciation of NDLEA’s efforts and our readiness as a key stakeholder in the road transport sector to align with your 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.
To that end, we propose strategic cooperation in the following areas:
• Sensitization and training of NARTO drivers and transport operators on identifying and reporting suspicious cargo or behavior.
• Establishment of joint intelligence-sharing mechanisms to monitor drug trafficking routes and tactics.
• Deployment of NDLEA liaison officers at major NARTO parks and depots across the federation.
• Public awareness campaigns, using our national footprint to educate drivers and passengers on the dangers of drug trafficking and abuse.
Let me also use this opportunity to reaffirm NARTO’s unwavering stand: 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.
Once again, we thank you for receiving us warmly, and we look forward to building a strong, effective, and lasting partnership with the NDLEA under your outstanding leadership.
May God bless the NDLEA, bless NARTO, and bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Thank you.