Reps Consider Bill to Make Drug Tests Mandatory for Truck Drivers
Reps Consider Bill to Make Drug Tests Mandatory for Truck Drivers
The House of Representatives is considering a bill that would require truck drivers across Nigeria to undergo compulsory drug tests every six months to curb road crashes involving heavy-duty vehicles.
The sponsor of the bill, Hon. Peter Uzokwe, who represents Nnewi North/Nnewi South/Ekwusigo Federal Constituency in Anambra State, said substance abuse remains a major cause of accidents involving tankers and trailers.
Uzokwe made the disclosure during an interactive session with stakeholders, including the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN), Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN), and the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN).
According to the lawmaker, the proposed legislation, which is expected to come up for second and third readings in the House, seeks to ensure that all truck drivers are tested for drug use at least once every six months.
“It is in my bill, coming up for second and third reading, that all truck drivers should be tested for drugs at least once every six months,” Uzokwe said.
He argued that driver training alone is insufficient if operators abuse drugs, warning that substance use can impair judgment and increase the risk of fatal crashes.
“You can train a driver who is a drug addict. He may drive well, but once the substance takes control, he will no longer drive the way he was trained,” he said.
“You can see the trailer and tanker accidents we are having. These are things that can be prevented if drivers are in their right senses.”
The proposed legislation is part of broader efforts by lawmakers to improve road safety and reduce the frequency of accidents involving heavy-duty vehicles.
