The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has expressed its readiness to support the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to fight illegal drug traders behind the importation and exportation of illicit, dangerous and unapproved drug business at the nation’s sea ports.
The Director General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola, gave the assurance when the Executive Chairman of NDLEA, Gen Buba Marwa (rtd) visited the NIMASA Towers in Lagos.
Speaking during the visit, Mobereola, commended the NDLEA for its remarkable achievements in combating illegal drug businesses and arresting drug barons across the country.
The NIMASA chief pledged that the agency would collaborate with the NDLEA to secure the nation’s maritime domain against the illicit drug business and shipment into the country.
He said that the NDLEA Chairman’s exemplary leadership, has brought significant progress in the fight against illicit drugs in the country.
NIMASA, Mobereola said, “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.”
Brig. Gen. Marwa for his part expressed his gratitude for the warm reception given to him and his team by NIMASA and emphasised the need for collaboration to address the rising threat of drug trafficking through the maritime space.
As the agency responsible for controlling drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria, Marwa said: “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.”
Berating recent developments, Marwa said: “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 sensitising NIMASA staff and cadets under the National Seafarers Development Program (NSDP) on the dangers of drug abuse.
Mobereola however, 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 is 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.
