The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to combat drug trafficking networks operating between both countries.
The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Mohamed Buba Marwa, said Nigeria and Saudi Arabia have a historic record of strong bilateral relations.
The MoU highlights the following: Nigeria and Saudi Arabia will share intelligence, the Saudi will provide NDLEA with its training academy for collaborative training, NDLEA will get operational logistics, joint investigations will be conducted, and convict data will be exchanged.
Marwa, who was joined by Ahmed Sule Ningi, the Agency’s Director of Operations and General Investigation (DOGI), at the agreement signing in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Monday, stated that the deal was long overdue.
But this is a very important day—one that has long been anticipated and is very important for both of our countries. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) of Nigeria is the culmination of the close ties between our two countries, especially between our respective anti-narcotics agencies. and and the General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” he said.
As demonstrated by the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding today, which will undoubtedly build on our combined experience and establish efficient strategies to address the complexities of narcotics control, the NDLEA chief stated that “this partnership is not merely a matter of engagements but has extended to a deeper connection.”
“Illicit drugs have become a global challenge that transcends geographical and ideological divides,” Marwa explained, elaborating on the agreement’s significance. Drug misuse and trafficking represent a common hazard to humanity, whether in the North or the South, East or West.
“To solve this situation, we must put aside our fabricated divisions and cooperate as a team. Through the framework of many UN agreements and the assistance of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and the frameworks of various UN conventions have established a common ground for countries to cooperate and coordinate efforts to effectively combat this mutual challenge.”
He acknowledged how past collaboration between both nations has resulted in numerous arrests and drug seizures.
“Over the past 18 years, Nigerian airports have recorded multiple drug-related arrests on outbound flights to Saudi Arabia.