The Chairman of Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Buba Marwa, has declared that trafficking illicit substances through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos has become an almost insurmountable challenge, thanks to reinforced security measures and intensified anti-narcotics operations.
Marwa emphasized that the Lagos airport now ranks among the most rigorously monitored air travel hubs worldwide in the battle against drug smuggling. He shared these insights during a meeting at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, where he hosted a delegation from Ghana’s Narcotics Control Commission, led by Director-General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, who were on a study tour to observe the agency’s operational methods.
The NDLEA chief stressed the critical need for stronger collaboration between Nigeria and Ghana to effectively counter the growing threat of drug trafficking and associated criminal networks across West Africa. He stated, ‘By pooling our resources and sharing expertise in intelligence-driven operations and interdiction techniques, we are systematically reducing the operating space for criminal syndicates in our sub-region.’
Marwa noted that the visit transcends a mere routine study program; it represents a deliberate effort to fortify strategic partnerships between the two anti-drug bodies. He explained that the engagement would facilitate the exchange of ideas on intelligence gathering, digital forensics, and institutional best practices. He added that such enhanced cooperation would accelerate efforts to dismantle illicit drug networks, curb the production of psychotropic substances, and combat money laundering tied to narcotics trafficking.
A key outcome of the meeting was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between NDLEA and NACOC, formalizing their partnership. Marwa hailed this agreement as a major milestone in strengthening coordinated action against drug syndicates in the region. ‘This pact to combat the illegal production of psychotropic substances, their precursors, and related money laundering gives us both a legal and operational framework. It transforms our relationship from informal dialogue into a structured, aggressive, and united front against drug barons,’ he declared.
In his remarks, Mantey underscored that the visit aimed to reinforce the existing bond between the two countries and enhance operational synergy. ‘For us, this is not about starting a new chapter but about building on a solid foundation—deepening trust, sharing experiences, and making our collaboration more practical and impactful,’ he said. He further observed that drug trafficking activities in the region are growing increasingly complex, necessitating robust cross-border alliances to tackle emerging threats effectively.