The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have reinforced their collaboration to tackle drug trafficking within Nigeria’s maritime domain. This renewed commitment was highlighted during a courtesy visit by NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd), to NIMASA’s Director-General, Dayo Mobereola, at the agency’s Lagos headquarters.
Mobereola commended the NDLEA’s strides in combating drug-related crimes and pledged NIMASA’s support in curbing the use of maritime routes for illicit drug shipments. “We are committed to working with NDLEA to ensure Nigeria’s ports and terminals are safeguarded from criminal activities,” Mobereola said, emphasizing the agency’s dedication to securing the maritime domain.
Marwa lauded NIMASA’s openness to collaboration, stressing the critical role of the maritime sector in drug trafficking and the need for joint efforts. He noted that recent seizures at Lagos ports underscore the urgency of addressing this issue and revealed that the NDLEA had established a Marine Command to focus on threats posed by maritime drug trafficking.
To strengthen their efforts, Marwa proposed closer cooperation through NIMASA’s Deep Blue Project, a maritime security initiative aimed at tackling illegal activities in Nigerian waters. He also highlighted the importance of educating NIMASA staff and cadets under the National Seafarers Development Programme about the risks and dangers of drug abuse.
NIMASA’s Head of Public Relations, Osagie Edward, reiterated the agency’s commitment to supporting NDLEA initiatives, describing the partnership as vital to Nigeria’s fight against drug trafficking. Both agencies agreed that combining their resources and expertise is key to achieving lasting results.
