The Kwara State Government has announced that drivers caught over-speeding will now face mandatory drug testing to determine whether they are under the influence of illicit substances.

The initiative was revealed during a road walk event on Thursday to commemorate the 2025 United Nations Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, represented by the Commissioner for Social Development, Mariam Iman, said the measure is part of a wider campaign to curb drug abuse in the state. She explained that enforcement has expanded to include students preparing for exams and not just job seekers.

Drug testing, initially introduced for teacher recruitment under a state employment scheme, led to the disqualification of seven applicants who failed the test.

“We are focusing on awareness and mandatory drug screening at multiple levels — from teachers to students and now motorists. Before exams, students will be tested to ensure they are fit. And if a driver is caught speeding, a drug test will be required to rule out influence of substances,” the commissioner said.

Special Assistant to the Governor on Drug Abuse Prevention and Control, Haliru Olalekan Mikail, stressed the need for a united front in fighting drug abuse, describing it as a major threat to societal progress.

“We’re not pointing fingers. Everyone must take responsibility. Drug abuse has already done harm to our communities, and it's time we all come together to reverse the trend,” he stated.

Also speaking, NDLEA State Commander Hajia Fatima Popoola and Kwara State House of Assembly Deputy Chief Whip, Marriam Aladi, lauded the state government’s continued efforts in awareness and preventive action against substance abuse.