DG NIMASA Reaffirms Support for NDLEA in Combating Drug Trafficking

By: Joy Enamuna

The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, has praised the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for its exceptional efforts in combating drug-related crimes across Nigeria.

Dr. Mobereola made these remarks during a courtesy visit by the NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd), to NIMASA Towers in Lagos. He pledged that NIMASA would continue to work closely with the NDLEA to secure Nigeria’s maritime domain from the illegal shipment of drugs.

“We are delighted to welcome the NDLEA team, led by Brig. Gen. Marwa, whose leadership has significantly advanced the fight against illicit drugs. NIMASA is committed to collaborating with the NDLEA to tackle drug trafficking, especially through our nation’s Ports and Terminals. Together, we can ensure that Nigeria’s maritime space is not exploited for criminal activities,” Dr. Mobereola emphasized.

The NIMASA DG assured Brig. Gen. Marwa that NIMASA would seek ways to integrate NDLEA personnel into the existing maritime security framework, particularly within the scope of the Deep Blue Project.

The Deep Blue Project is a collaborative initiative of the Federal Ministries of Transportation and Defence, with NIMASA serving as the project’s focal point. The project involves various security agencies, including the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Police, and the Department of State Services.

In his response, Brig. Gen. Marwa expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome and stressed the importance of collaboration to address the increasing threat of drug trafficking through maritime routes.

“As the agency responsible for controlling drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria, we recognize that tackling this issue requires cooperation with key stakeholders like NIMASA. The global maritime space has become a significant route for the illegal movement of drugs, and we are eager to collaborate with NIMASA to confront this challenge,” Brig. Gen. Marwa stated.

He also highlighted recent developments, including the seizure of illicit drugs transported through Lagos ports, which underscores the urgency for joint efforts to secure the ports. “To address this growing concern, we have established a Marine Command within the NDLEA to focus on maritime drug trafficking. We propose a close partnership between this unit and NIMASA, particularly through the Deep Blue Project, to strengthen the security of Nigeria’s maritime space,” he added.

Brig. Gen. Marwa further committed to supporting the NDLEA’s efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse, including sensitizing NIMASA staff and cadets under the National Seafarers Development Program (NSDP).