Drug War; Nigeria, Saudi Arabia Sign MoU to Deepen Partnership

Oluwakemi Kindness

Nigeria and Saudi Arabia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance their operational collaboration in the fight against drug trafficking and narcotics control.

The agreement was formalized on Monday in Riyadh between Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

A statement issued by NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, says both nations reaffirmed their commitment to tightening the dragnet around drug trafficking networks operating within and across their borders.

NDLEA Chairman, Retired Brigadier General Buba Marwa, who signed the MoU on Nigeria’s behalf, described the partnership as a natural extension of the strong diplomatic and security ties between the two countries.

“Marwa who was accompanied by the Agency’s Director of Operations and General Investigation (DOGI) Ahmed Sule Ningi, acknowledged that both countries have long been steadfast allies across various spheres, with a history of strong bilateral relations”.

“However, today marks a particularly significant milestone—one that has been long overdue and holds immense importance for both our nations. Today’s event marks the culmination of the strong relationship between our two nations, particularly between our respective anti-narcotics agencies—the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) of Nigeria and the General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia”, Marwa stated.

According to the NDLEA boss, “this partnership is not merely a matter of engagements but has extended to a deeper connection, as evidenced by the signing of the MoU today which will no doubt build on our collective expertise and establish effective strategies to address the complexities of narcotics control.”

In his brief remark, Director General of Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Narcotics Control, Major General Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Qarni expressed happiness the MoU was being signed after over three years of initial discussions and preparations.

He commended Marwa and his team for their resilience, sincerity and commitment to the global effort to tame the scourge of illicit drug trafficking.

He assured of the commitment of the Saudi authorities to the letters of the MoU, while promising more support to NDLEA in the months ahead.