50% of Road Accidents Linked to Drug Abuse Among Commercial Drivers – NDLEA

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has raised the alarm over the high rate of drug abuse among commercial drivers, warning that substance use is responsible for a significant number of road accidents across Nigeria.

Officer Ndubuisi Agabus of the NDLEA gave the warning on Wednesday at Dei Dei Motor Park, Abuja, during the fourth day of the Transporters for Tinubu 2027 Drivers’ Care Initiative, an outreach programme providing free health services to transport workers. Executive members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) from Dei Dei Park were present at the event, joining other stakeholders to address driver welfare and road safety.

“From our records, a large number of the accidents that happen on our highways are a result of drug abuse,” Agabus told drivers gathered at the park.

He distinguished between drug abuse and drug misuse, explaining that abuse involves taking substances without medical prescription, while misuse entails taking the wrong dosage of an otherwise legal drug. Both, he said, carry severe consequences, including liver cirrhosis, kidney failure, and permanent brain damage.

Agabus drew attention to commonly overlooked substances such as kolanut, alcohol, and coffee, classifying them as “socially acceptable drugs” that alter mood and impair judgment when consumed excessively. He urged drivers to moderate their intake of these substances, especially before or during long journeys.

The NDLEA officer expressed particular concern over the rampant sale and consumption of high-dose Tramadol in motor parks and markets across the country. He noted that the 250mg variant, which is commonly hawked, is banned and poses serious dangers to users.

“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 linked drug abuse not only to road accidents but also to broader societal crimes, including kidnapping, armed robbery, and terrorism. “Even the terrorism we witness today is driven by drugs. When they take high doses, they no longer see us as human beings,” he said.

Agabus appealed to drivers to avoid friends and influences that promote drug use and to embrace a culture of responsibility for the sake of their families and passengers.

“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 urged, leading the gathering in a chant: “Say no to drugs, say yes to life.”

The NDLEA reaffirmed its commitment to both sensitisation and enforcement, calling on transport unions, including the NURTW, to partner with the agency in spreading the message across motor parks nationwide. The NURTW executives at the event assured the agency of their readiness to collaborate on sustained awareness campaigns.

The warning came as part of a broader outreach at Dei Dei Park, which also included free eye testing and treatment for drivers, conducted by Optometrist Dr. Kelechi, and the introduction of financial services by the Transporters Cooperative.

Andy Okoho of the Transporters Cooperative outlined the benefits available to members, including savings for vehicle purchases, emergency funds, and low-interest loans disbursed within 48 hours. He highlighted the cooperative’s mobile app, which allows members to track their savings in real time. “When you register, you get an app. If you save 50,000 naira, you wake up and see it on your phone,” he said.

Programme Coordinator Mrs. Chinwe Uwaegbute said the initiative was designed to address the health and welfare challenges transport operators face daily, noting that driver fitness is critical to road safety. She thanked the NURTW executives for their presence and support.

“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. Having the NURTW leadership here with us shows their commitment to the well-being of their members,” Uwaegbute said.

Stakeholders at the event, including NARTO and RTEAN officials, commended the initiative and called for its expansion to other motor parks across the country.

The Drivers’ Care Initiative continues its FCT-wide outreach in the coming days, with plans to extend the programme to all 36 states.

– Olusemire Jegede