The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has pledged to collaborate with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in combating drug trafficking and abuse within the country’s maritime domain. This commitment was reiterated during a visit by the NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd), to the NIMASA headquarters in Lagos.
During the visit, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, praised the NDLEA for its strides in curbing drug-related crimes nationwide and pledged the agency’s support in securing Nigeria’s maritime space against drug smuggling.
“We are delighted to welcome Brig. Gen. Marwa and his team to NIMASA. His leadership in the fight against illicit drugs is commendable. NIMASA is fully committed to working with the NDLEA to prevent drug trafficking through our ports and terminals. Together, we can ensure that Nigeria’s maritime domain remains free from criminal activities,” Dr. Mobereola stated.
Brig. Gen. Marwa, in his response, highlighted the growing challenge of drug trafficking through maritime routes and underscored the importance of collaboration between the two agencies.
L-R: Executive Director, Administration and Finance, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Chudi Offodile; Director General, NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola; Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd.), CON, OFR; Executive Director, Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, NIMASA, Jibril Abba and Executive Director Operations, NIMASA, Engr. Fatai Taiye Adeyemi during a courtesy visit by the Chief Executive and Management of the NDLEA to the NIMASA Towers in Victoria Island, Lagos.
“The maritime sector is increasingly being exploited for the illegal movement of drugs. The NDLEA has established a Marine Command to address this threat, but we cannot succeed without the support of key stakeholders like NIMASA. We propose the integration of NDLEA personnel into the Deep Blue Project to enhance maritime security,” he said.
The NDLEA Chairman also pointed to recent drug seizures at Lagos ports as evidence of the need for stronger joint efforts. He emphasized the importance of sensitizing maritime workers and cadets under NIMASA’s National Seafarers Development Program (NSDP) on the dangers of drug abuse.
Dr. Mobereola assured Brig. Gen. Marwa that NIMASA would explore avenues to incorporate NDLEA’s expertise into its security initiatives, particularly the Deep Blue Project. This project, a collaborative effort involving the Federal Ministries of Transportation and Defence, integrates multiple security agencies to combat maritime crimes and ensure safety within Nigerian waters.
The visit underscores the shared commitment of NIMASA and NDLEA to safeguard Nigeria’s maritime domain and tackle the menace of drug trafficking through strategic partnerships.