NDLEA, NAFDAC Signs MoU to Strengthen Collaboration on Illicit Drugs, Counterfeit Products

By Oluwakemi Kindness

The Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, retired Brigadier General, Mohamed Buba Marwa, on Wednesday said the renewed partnership between NDLEA and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, will curb substance abuse and protect public health.

Marwa’s a position which was affirmed by the Director General of NAFDAC, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, took place during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NDLEA and NAFDAC at the NDLEA National Headquarters in Abuja.

Marwa according to a statement by the spokesperson of the NDLEA Femi Babafemi said the development “marks a significant turning point in our shared endeavour to improve operational effectiveness, protect public health, and guarantee community safety.”

“As we sign this MoU today, we are taking significant steps towards harnessing our collective strengths. It will align our strategies and resources, making us better equipped to tackle the growing menace of drug abuse and ensure that only safe, approved, and genuine products reach the hands of consumers”.

“Today’s signing ceremony is not just a formal agreement but a commitment to our collective responsibility to intensify our service delivery”.

Marwa said the MoU will establish a framework that will enhance the sharing of vital intelligence, facilities, and expertise, which will amplify ability to effectively address the intertwined challenges of drug abuse and counterfeit products.

In her remarks, Professor Adeyeye aligned with the position of the NDLEA Chairman on the significance of the MoU, saying that stakeholders cannot afford to work in silos on the issues that border on substance abuse, illicit drug trafficking and public health in Nigeria.

According to her, “We may not be taking illicit drugs, but we may have relatives taking illicit drugs, but we may have friends of relatives taking illicit drugs”.

“When we look at it globally, it is our national security”.

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