The House of Representatives is considering a bill that would require truck, tanker, and trailer drivers across Nigeria to undergo compulsory drug tests every six months as part of efforts to improve road safety and reduce fatal accidents involving heavy-duty vehicles.
The proposed legislation is sponsored by Peter Uzokwe, who said the measure is aimed at addressing the growing menace of substance abuse among commercial truck drivers.
Speaking during an interactive session with stakeholders in the petroleum distribution sector, Uzokwe noted that drug abuse has become a major factor contributing to the increasing number of tanker and trailer crashes on Nigerian highways.
The meeting brought together representatives of the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria, Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria, and Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria to discuss measures for improving safety in the transportation of petroleum products.
According to the lawmaker, the bill, which is expected to proceed to its second and third readings, proposes that all truck drivers undergo mandatory drug screening at least once every six months.
He argued that while drivers may receive adequate training, the influence of illicit substances can impair judgment and driving ability, thereby increasing the risk of avoidable road accidents.
Uzokwe stressed that regular drug testing would help identify drivers under the influence of prohibited substances, enhance public safety, and reduce the frequency of devastating crashes involving heavy-duty vehicles on the nation’s roads.
