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NIMASA Partners NDLEA to Fight Drug Importation At Nigerian Ports, Terminals
Director General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola (left) and NDLEA Chairman, Buba Marwa
By DAPO OLAWUNI
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has expressed commitment and partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in curbing the menace of drug importation through Nigerian Ports and Terminals.
Director General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola stated this when he hosted the Executive Chairman of NDLEA, Gen Buba Marwa (rtd) and the agency’s headwaters in Victoria Island.
Mobereola noted that NDLEA Chairman’s
exemplary leadership has brought significant progress in the fight against illicit drugs in Nigeria.
“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.” he said
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.
“As the agency responsible for controlling drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria, we recognize 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,” he said.
Highlighting recent developments, Brig. Gen. Marwa noted: “Recent seizures of illicit drugs transported through Lagos ports underscore the need for joint efforts to secure our ports. Within the NDLEA, we have established a Marine Command to focus on this emerging threat. We propose close collaboration between this unit and NIMASA, particularly through the Deep Blue Project, to enhance the protection of Nigeria’s maritime space.”
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 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.
