Apparently aware that it cannot do it alone in its mission to curb the increasing use of the nation’s seaports for the trafficking of prohibited drugs, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has resolved to join forces with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to tackle the menace in the country.
To this end, NIMASA has stated its readiness to support the inclusion of NDLEA in Nigeria’s Deep Blue Project which is domiciled in the agency.
Maritime Bits had reported that the Deep Blue Project, a joint initiative of the Federal Ministry of Transportation and the Federal Ministry of Defence with contributions from various security agencies such as the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Police, and the Department of State Services (DSS).
The Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola dropped this hint when the NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd) led top official of anti-drug government body to pay a courtesy visit on the agency at NIMASA Towers, Victoria Island, Lagos recently.
Mobereola used the occasion of the visit to reaffirm NIMASA commitment to supporting NDLEA in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking within Nigeria’s maritime domain.
While commending NDLEA for its remarkable achievements in combating drug-related crimes across the country, he pledged that NIMASA would collaborate with the anti-drug agency to secure Nigeria’s maritime space against the illicit shipment of drugs.
His words: “We are glad to welcome the NDLEA team led by Brigadier General Marwa whose exemplary leadership has brought significant progress in the fight against illicit drugs. NIMASA 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.”
A statement issued by NIMASA and signed by its Assistant Director, Public Relations, Mr. Osagie Edward quoted Marwa expressing his gratitude for the warm reception and emphasized the need for collaboration to address the rising threat of drug trafficking through maritime channels.
According to the statement which was made available to Maritime Bits, the NDLEA helmsman was quoted saying: “As the agency responsible for controlling drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria, we recognize 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.”
Continuing, 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 retired army officer also pledged the agency’s support in sensitizing NIMASA staff and cadets under the National Seafarers Development Program (NSDP) on the dangers of drug abuse.
On his part, Mobereola assured that NIMASA would explore avenues to integrate NDLEA personnel into the existing maritime security architecture, particularly the Deep Blue Project.
