France Commends Nigeria’s Anti-Narcotics Efforts

Oluwakemi Kindness

The French government has commended the operational successes of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, especially in areas of illicit drug control and high rate of prosecution and conviction of offenders.

The commendation was given by the French Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Marc Fonbaustier while handing over some operational equipment donated by the French government to the Chairman of NDLEA, retired Brigadier General, Mohamed Buba Marwa, at the Agency’s National Headquarters in Abuja.

A statement on Thursday by the spokesperson of the NDLEA, Femi Babafemi noted that the Agency has done very well in the fight against illicit drugs and narcotics with over 57, 792 arrests; 9.9 million kilograms of seizures and 10,572 convictions within a space of four years.

He added that Nigeria’s records of achievements in the fight against illicit drugs places the country in a good position for great partnership and collaboration with France.

“You’re one of the best in the world in terms of fight against illicit drugs and narcotics because of your operational successes, which give NDLEA an edge in terms of arrests, seizures, high rate of convictions and as such we can learn some lessons from you while you learn from us as well”, Ambassador Fonbaustier stated.

In his remark, Marwa expressed appreciation for the donation of the equipment to NDLEA, noting that “Nigeria and France have been good partners especially following the recent state visit by President Bola Tinubu to France.” He stated that “the equipment are very important operational tools that will go a long way to enhance our work.”

He emphasized earlier requests for special training on investigation and cyber transactions as well as support for the Alternative Development Project initiative of the Agency aimed at encouraging cannabis growers to embrace alternative crops.