The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have agreed to strengthen cooperation in the execution of their respective mandates in the country’s common interest.
More specifically, Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, and Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa, admitted that success in the fight against maritime crimes and drug smuggling will depend on good teamwork between the two agencies.
During the announcement, issues regarding national security were discussed, especially as they relate to how both agencies could cooperate to tackle the problem of international drug smuggling via the country’s seaports.
In fact, Dr. Jamoh identified the need for closer ties between NIMASA and NDLEA, saying the trend of criminal elements attempting to take advantage of the country’s vast coastline to traffic illicit drugs poses a direct threat to national security.
Drug trafficking is a major aspect of the maritime safety and security challenges confronting the country. Our vast coastline is prone to exploitation by illegal drug dealers, with enormous adverse implications for the lives of citizens and the national economy
In addition, the NDLEA chairman recalled the major seizures recorded by the agency at the Apapa port towards the end of 2021 noting that with collaboration between NIMASA and the NDLEA, more success would be recorded.