NIMASA, NDLEA Form Alliance To Tackle Maritime Drug Trafficking

 By Winifred Ngozi Orji 

Harboursandport.com,:Lagos - January 10, 2025: The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have forged a strategic partnership to combat drug trafficking and abuse within Nigeria's maritime domain.

Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola (left) presenting a souvenir to the Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd.), CON, OFR during a courtesy visit by the Chief Executive and Management of the NDLEA to the NIMASA Towers in Victoria Island, Lagos.

 

The collaboration was formalized during a courtesy visit by NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd), to NIMASA's headquarters in Lagos. The meeting aimed to strengthen ties between the two agencies and explore collaborative strategies to secure Nigeria's ports and waterways.

NIMASA Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, praised the NDLEA's achievements in curbing drug-related crimes and reiterated NIMASA's commitment to partnering with the NDLEA to enhance maritime security.

"The maritime industry is a critical sector of our economy, and it's imperative that we work together to prevent the exploitation of our waterways for criminal activities," Dr. Mobereola stated. "We're committed to supporting the NDLEA in its efforts to combat drug trafficking and abuse."

The partnership seeks to leverage the Deep Blue Project, a multi-agency initiative aimed at combating piracy, drug trafficking, and other crimes within Nigeria's maritime space. The collaboration will also involve sensitizing NIMASA staff and cadets on the dangers of drug abuse.

According to Brig. Gen. Marwa, the NDLEA is committed to working with NIMASA to address the growing threat of maritime drug trafficking. "The global maritime space is becoming increasingly vulnerable to drug trafficking, and it's essential that we collaborate to prevent this menace," he said.

The alliance marks a significant step towards securing Nigeria's maritime domain and preventing the exploitation of its waterways for criminal activities. By combining their resources and expertise, NIMASA and the NDLEA aim to create a safer and more secure maritime environment for legitimate trade and commerce to thrive.

The partnership is also expected to enhance Nigeria's compliance with international maritime conventions and regulations, particularly those related to drug trafficking and abuse. As the country continues to play a critical role in regional and global maritime trade, the importance of ensuring the security and integrity of its maritime domain cannot be overstated.

In conclusion, the NIMASA-NDLEA partnership represents a proactive and collaborative approach to addressing the complex challenges of maritime drug trafficking. By working together, these two agencies can help to safeguard Nigeria's maritime interests and promote a safer, more secure maritime environment for all stakeholders.