Felix Temitope, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), in a groundbreaking move to strengthen Nigeria's fight against drug abuse and counterfeit products, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Wednesday, November 13, 2024.
The agreement, finalized at the NDLEA National Headquarters in Abuja, solidifies a partnership aimed at safeguarding public health and enhancing community safety by tackling the nation’s growing challenges related to substance abuse and counterfeit consumables.
At the signing ceremony, NDLEA Chairman and CEO, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), highlighted the historic nature of this collaboration. “This marks a significant turning point in our shared endeavor to improve operational effectiveness, protect public health, and guarantee community safety,” Marwa stated.
He noted that while the NDLEA focuses on combatting illegal drug production, trafficking, and abuse, NAFDAC ensures the safety and regulation of food, drugs, and other consumable goods. “Deepening our collaboration will ensure robust protection for public health and the well-being of our citizens,” he added.
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| Group photograph from the event |
The MoU, according to Marwa, provides a structured framework for intelligence sharing, resource pooling, and leveraging each agency’s expertise. This approach will enhance their collective ability to address the overlapping issues of drug abuse and counterfeit products that threaten the health and security of Nigerians.
“This signing ceremony is not just a formal agreement but a commitment to our collective responsibility to intensify our service delivery,” Marwa said. “Together, we will work towards creating safer communities, reducing the prevalence of drug abuse, and ensuring that our people have access to safe and high-quality products.”
Marwa urged both agencies to embrace the collaboration actively, emphasizing the importance of open communication and mutual support as they tackle drug-related challenges.
In her remarks, NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, echoed Marwa’s sentiments, stressing the need for synergy between the two agencies to address the multifaceted problems posed by drug abuse and counterfeit goods. Prof. Adeyeye spoke about the broad societal impact of drug abuse, including its links to violence, terrorism, and public health issues.
“We may not be taking illicit drugs, but we may have relatives or friends of relatives affected by them,” she said. “Illicit drugs alter the state of mind, impacting behaviors that can lead to societal ills like violence and terrorism. It’s logical that NDLEA and NAFDAC should work very closely together.”
Adeyeye acknowledged the past tendency of government agencies to work in isolation and emphasized that this collaboration marks a shift toward more integrated problem-solving. “We have to work together, and collaborate together,” she asserted, commending Marwa for his efforts in bringing this partnership to fruition.
This MoU signals a renewed commitment by both NDLEA and NAFDAC to combat the threats posed by drug abuse and counterfeit products, aligning their strategies and resources to create a safer and healthier environment for Nigerians. Through this partnership, the agencies are set to engage in joint operations, exchange critical intelligence, and carry out coordinated public health initiatives, aiming to protect Nigerian citizens from the dangers of illicit substances and unregulated products.
The MoU underscores a new era of cooperation that many hope will lead to more effective enforcement and regulation, ultimately helping to curb drug abuse, reduce the circulation of counterfeit products, and bolster Nigeria's public health and security.
