NDLEA, LASTMA Strengthen Partnership to Combat Drug Abuse and Enhance Road Safety
Lagos, Nigeria – In a concerted effort to tackle the rising menace of drug abuse and its impact on road safety, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) have reinforced their strategic collaboration.The Assistant Commander General of Narcotics, Archie-Abia Ibinabo, who oversees the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation in Lagos, led an official visit to LASTMA’s headquarters in Oshodi. The visit aimed to deepen cooperation between the two agencies in addressing drug-related challenges that contribute to road traffic incidents.
During the engagement, NDLEA honored LASTMA’s General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, with the ‘WADA ADVOCACY’ recognition award, acknowledging the agency’s dedication to drug abuse prevention and public safety.
Drug Abuse and Road Crashes: A Growing Concern
Expressing concern over the widespread use of illicit drugs, particularly among youths, Mr. Bakare-Oki emphasized the direct link between substance abuse and reckless driving, which often leads to road accidents. He highlighted that excessive drug consumption impairs judgment, reaction time, and overall road behavior, posing a significant risk to public safety.
The LASTMA boss also shed light on the sophisticated tactics employed by drug traffickers, revealing that illicit substances are often transported using dispatch motorcycles, ambulances, and other unsuspecting vehicles to evade detection.
Calling for stronger collaboration, Bakare-Oki stressed that tackling drug abuse would not only enhance road safety but also help address broader societal issues affecting the younger generation.
NDLEA Calls for Enhanced Intelligence Sharing
In her remarks, Assistant Commander General Archie-Abia Ibinabo reiterated the NDLEA’s commitment to a multi-agency approach in combating drug trafficking. She emphasized that the role of LASTMA in traffic management makes it a vital ally in intercepting illicit drug movements across Lagos.
She urged LASTMA officials to remain vigilant and actively report suspicious activities related to drug trafficking during their enforcement duties.
“Many of our youths are currently undergoing rehabilitation due to drug addiction. The only way to curb this crisis is through a united, all-hands-on-deck approach,” she stated.
The strategic engagement reaffirmed the commitment of both agencies to intensify enforcement actions, disrupt drug networks, and strengthen intelligence-driven interventions. Their collaboration aims to create a safer environment for road users and curb the far-reaching consequences of substance abuse in society.
Adebayo Taofiq
Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, LASTMA
