NIMASA and NDLEA Form Strategic Partnership to Combat Drug Trafficking in Nigeria's Maritime Domain
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking within Nigeria's maritime domain.
This commitment was emphasized during a courtesy visit by the NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd), to the NIMASA Towers in Lagos.
The visit marked the beginning of a strategic partnership between NIMASA and NDLEA aimed at tackling the menace of drug trafficking, particularly through Nigeria's ports and terminals. The partnership seeks to leverage the strengths of both agencies to secure Nigeria's maritime space against the illicit shipment of drugs.
NIMASA's Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, commended the NDLEA for its remarkable achievements in combating drug-related crimes across Nigeria.
He pledged that NIMASA would collaborate with the NDLEA to secure Nigeria'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," Dr. Mobereola stated. "NIMASA is firmly committed to partnering with the NDLEA to tackle the menace of drug trafficking, particularly through our nation's Ports and Terminals. Together, we can ensure that the Nigerian maritime domain is not exploited for criminal activities."
In response, Brig. Gen. Marwa expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and emphasized the need for collaboration to address the rising threat of drug trafficking through maritime channels.
He noted that recent seizures of illicit drugs transported through Lagos ports underscore the need for joint efforts to secure the ports.
"As the agency responsible for controlling drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria, we recognize that this task requires collaboration with critical stakeholders like NIMASA," Brig. Gen. Marwa 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."
To enhance the protection of Nigeria's maritime space, the NDLEA proposed close collaboration between its Marine Command and NIMASA, particularly through the Deep Blue Project.
The Deep Blue Project is a joint initiative of the Federal Ministry of Transportation and the Federal Ministry of Defence, domiciled in NIMASA with contributions from various security agencies.
The partnership between NIMASA and NDLEA aims to tackle the menace of drug trafficking, particularly through Nigeria's ports and terminals. By working together, they can ensure that the Nigerian maritime domain is not exploited for criminal activities.
The NDLEA Chairman also pledged the agency's support in sensitizing NIMASA staff and cadets under the National Seafarers Development Program (NSDP) on the dangers of drug abuse. Dr. Mobereola assured Brig. Gen. Marwa that NIMASA would explore avenues to integrate NDLEA personnel into the existing maritime security architecture, particularly the Deep Blue Project.
The collaboration between NIMASA and NDLEA is a significant step towards securing Nigeria's maritime domain and preventing the illicit shipment of drugs.
By working together, both agencies can leverage their strengths to combat drug trafficking and promote a safer and more secure maritime environment.
0 Comments