NIMASA, NDLEA strengthen ties to combat drug trafficking

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have strengthened their ties to combat the menace of drug trafficking.

NIMASA, in a statement signed on Wednesday by the Head of Public Relations, Osagie Edward, restated its commitment to supporting the NDLEA in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking within Nigeria’s maritime domain.

According to Edward, the two agencies reaffirmed their commitment when the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, hosted the Chairman of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd), during a courtesy visit to the NIMASA Towers in Lagos.

Speaking during Marwa’s visit, Mobereola lauded the NDLEA for its achievements in tackling drug-related crimes across Nigeria and promised that NIMASA would partner with the NDLEA to secure the country’s maritime space against the illicit shipment of drugs.

“We are glad to welcome the NDLEA team, led by Brig. Gen. Marwa, whose exemplary leadership has brought significant progress in the fight against illicit drugs,” he said.

“NIMASA is firmly committed to partnering with the NDLEA to tackle the menace of drug trafficking, particularly through our ports and terminals. Together, we can ensure that the Nigerian maritime domain is not exploited for criminal activities.”

Earlier, Marwa expressed gratitude for the warm reception and emphasized the need for the NDLEA to partner with NIMASA to address the rising threat of drug trafficking through maritime channels.

“As the agency responsible for controlling drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria, we recognise that this task requires collaboration with critical stakeholders like NIMASA,” he said.

“The global maritime space has increasingly become a conduit for the illegal movement of drugs, and we are keen to work with NIMASA to address this challenge.”

Marwa added that recent seizures of illicit drugs transported through Lagos ports have highlighted the need for joint efforts to secure such routes, explaining that the NDLEA has established a Marine Command to focus on this emerging threat.

“We propose close collaboration with NIMASA, particularly through the Deep Blue Project, to enhance the protection of Nigeria’s maritime space,” he said, pledging the NDLEA’s support in sensitising NIMASA staff and cadets under the National Seafarers Development Programme on the dangers of drug abuse.