The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency has reaffirmed its commitment to support the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking within Nigeria’s maritime domain.
The head of NIMASA’s public relations, Osagie Edward, announced this in a statement on Wednesday, which was made available to The PUNCH.
He said the two agencies echoed this commitment when the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, hosted the Chairman of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd), who was on a courtesy visit to the NIMASA Towers in Lagos.
Speaking during the visit, 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. 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,” Mobereola stated.
Earlier, Marwa expressed gratitude for the warm reception even as he emphasised the need for collaboration 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. 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 said.
Highlighting recent developments, Marwa noted that recent seizures of illicit drugs transported through Lagos ports underscore the need for joint efforts to secure the ports.
According to him, 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.
The NDLEA Chairman also pledged the agency’s support in sensitising NIMASA staff and cadets under the National Seafarers Development Programme on the dangers of drug abuse.
In his response, Mobereola assured Marwa that NIMASA would explore avenues to integrate NDLEA personnel into the existing maritime security architecture, particularly the Deep Blue Project.
The Deep Blue Project, a joint initiative of the Federal Ministry of Transportation and the Federal Ministry of Defence, is domiciled in NIMASA with contributions from various security agencies, including the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Police, and the Department of State Services.
