President Adama Barrow of Gambia has applauded Nigeria’s commitment to the war against illicit drug trafficking and abuse, even as he called for more collaboration among anti-drug law enforcement agencies in Africa and across the globe.
The Gambian President gave the commendation at the State House in Banjul when he received the Chief Executive of Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Mohammed Buba Marwa who was in the country to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Drug Law Enforcement Agency of the Gambia, DLEAG, which borders on cooperation in combating illicit production, manufacture, and trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and their precursors.
Speaking during the courtesy visit President Barrow lauded the decision by the NDLEA to sign the agreement with DLEAG, saying such would strengthen and integrate ECOWAS member states especially in the area of war against drug trafficking and abuse.
According to him, “Drug cartels work as a network and are linked, as such, institutions fighting them must also partner and work together.
“Nigeria has been helpful and supportive of the Gambia in various forms and we are grateful. The signing of this MoU between NDLEA and DLEAG is a clear indication that Nigeria is more than willing to partner with us.“
“Your coming to the Gambia is an indication of personal commitment to the war against drugs and I believe the agreement will benefit both countries because drug use is a national threat and big security issue, and without security no nation can progress.”
In his remarks, the Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Mohammed Buba Marwa expressed happiness that the Gambia is a willing partner in the fight against drug cartels in the West African region.
“We are facing enemies of the worst grade and so we need all the support and partnerships at the national, regional and international levels, he stated.“
He stated that the successes recorded so far by NDLEA since January till now in Nigeria were made possible by the political will of President Muhammadu Buhari to stamp out the twin evils of illicit drug trafficking and abuse from the country and his continuous support for the work of the Agency.
The NDLEA Chairman was accompanied on the visit by Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Gambia, Muhammed Manu and other top officials of the Agency.
PIAK
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