The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in tackling drug abuse and trafficking within Nigeria’s maritime sector. This was disclosed by the Head of Public Relations at NIMASA, Osagie Edward, in a statement released on Wednesday.
Strengthening Maritime Security Against Drug Trafficking
During a courtesy visit by the NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd), to the NIMASA Towers in Lagos, NIMASA’s Director-General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, commended the NDLEA for its significant achievements in combating drug-related crimes across the country. He pledged NIMASA’s collaboration in ensuring the Nigerian maritime space is safeguarded against the illicit shipment of drugs.
“We are glad to welcome the NDLEA team, led by Brig. Gen. 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 ports and terminals. Together, we can ensure that the Nigerian maritime domain is not exploited for criminal activities,” Mobereola said.
The NDLEA’s Call for Collaboration
Brig. Gen. Marwa emphasized the critical need for partnership to combat the rising threat of drug trafficking through maritime channels. He highlighted recent cases of illicit drug seizures at Lagos ports as evidence of the growing challenge and outlined the NDLEA’s efforts, including the establishment of a Marine Command to address the issue.
“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,” Marwa said.
He proposed integrating NDLEA’s efforts with NIMASA’s Deep Blue Project to strengthen maritime security. Marwa also pledged NDLEA’s support in sensitizing NIMASA staff and cadets under the National Seafarers Development Programme about the dangers of drug abuse.
The Deep Blue Project and Enhanced Collaboration
Dr. Mobereola assured Marwa of NIMASA’s willingness to incorporate NDLEA personnel into the agency’s existing security framework, particularly the Deep Blue Project. This initiative, a collaborative effort between the Federal Ministry of Transportation and the Federal Ministry of Defence, involves multiple security agencies, including the Nigerian Navy, Air Force, Army, Police, and the Department of State Services, to enhance maritime safety and combat illegal activities.
“The Deep Blue Project is designed to secure Nigeria’s maritime domain, and we are committed to integrating NDLEA’s expertise into this framework to ensure a more robust response to the challenges of drug trafficking,” Mobereola added.
Joint Efforts to Safeguard Nigeria’s Ports
Both agencies highlighted the importance of securing Nigerian ports and terminals, which are critical entry points for drug trafficking. The collaboration aims to improve surveillance, enforcement, and public education to deter the misuse of maritime channels for illegal activities.
By pooling resources and expertise, NIMASA and the NDLEA aim to create a safer maritime environment while addressing the broader social and economic impacts of drug trafficking and abuse in Nigeria.
