Riyadh: Nigeria and Saudi Arabia have taken a significant step in their collaborative efforts to combat narcotics by signing a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance their operational partnership. The agreement was formalized in Riyadh by representatives from Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the MoU aims to tighten the grip on drug trafficking networks operating within both countries. Femi Babafemi, Director of Media and Advocacy at NDLEA, stated that the two nations have committed to intensifying their cooperation in the fight against drug-related crimes. The signing ceremony was attended by NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa, who expressed the significance of the agreement, emphasizing the long-standing alliance between the countries across various sectors.
Marwa highlighted the historical bilateral relations and described the agreement as an essential milestone that strengthens the bond between the NDLEA and GDNC. He noted that the partnership extends beyond formal engagements, aiming to leverage the collective expertise of both agencies to tackle the complex issues surrounding narcotics control.
He further explained that the global challenge posed by illicit drugs requires unified efforts, transcending geographical and ideological boundaries. Marwa acknowledged the role of international frameworks such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in facilitating cooperation among nations to address this shared threat effectively.
Nigeria’s collaboration with international bodies like the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (US-DEA) and the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA) was also highlighted. Marwa emphasized Saudi Arabia’s status as a key ally, with mutual support dating back nearly two decades, even before the formal signing of the MoU.
Maj. Gen. Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Qarni, Director General of Saudi Arabia’s GDNC, expressed satisfaction with the signing, commending Marwa and his team for their dedication to the global fight against illicit drug trafficking. He assured ongoing support from Saudi authorities and emphasized the importance of the MoU in fostering joint efforts.
The MoU includes provisions for intelligence exchange, joint training sessions at the Saudi training academy, operational logistics support to NDLEA, joint investigations, and the exchange of data on convicts, marking a comprehensive approach to combatting narcotics trafficking.