NDLEA partners NAFDAC towards an effective anti-drug war. The NDLEA focuses on combating illicit drug production, trafficking, and abuse. But NAFDAC regulates the safety of food, drugs, and other consumables.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have forged a new alliance. Both agencies aim to combat drug abuse and protect public health. This was solidified with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Wednesday, November 13, 2024. Venue was the NDLEA National Headquarters in Abuja.
NDLEA partners NAFDAC to create a unified front against drug abuse and the circulation of counterfeit products. Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa, Chairman of the NDLEA, emphasized the importance of the collaboration in his speech. He stated that both agencies play crucial roles in ensuring the safety and well-being of Nigerian citizens.
The NDLEA focuses on combating illicit drug production, trafficking, and abuse. NAFDAC regulates the safety of food, drugs, and other consumables. By joining forces, the agencies aim to share intelligence, resources, and expertise to tackle the interconnected issues of drug abuse and fake products in Nigeria.
Marwa described the MoU as a significant step forward, saying, “We are taking significant steps towards harnessing our collective strengths. Our collaboration will align our strategies and resources, allowing us to better address the growing menace of drug abuse and counterfeit goods.”
NDLEA partners NAFDAC towards improved public safety
The NDLEA and NAFDAC’s partnership will focus on improving operational effectiveness and strengthening community safety. The agencies will work together to ensure that only safe and approved products reach Nigerian consumers. This includes tackling the growing issues of counterfeit drugs and other harmful substances that jeopardize public health.
“The signing today is not just a formal agreement; it’s a commitment to intensifying our efforts to reduce the prevalence of drug abuse and to ensure access to safe products for Nigerians,” Marwa added. The collaboration will enhance intelligence sharing, boost resources, and create safer environments for all.
NAFDAC’s support for the new alliance
Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, Director General of NAFDAC, echoed the significance of the partnership. She highlighted that substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking are national security issues that require coordinated efforts from all relevant agencies. Adeyeye stressed that both agencies cannot afford to work in silos.
She noted that drug abuse doesn’t only affect those who take drugs directly but also impacts families and communities. “We may not be taking illicit drugs, but we may have relatives or friends who are. The consequences can be severe—ranging from violence and terrorism to health problems and family breakdowns,” she said.
Adeyeye emphasized the need for a collective approach, saying, “We must work together as a united front. It’s about solving problems, not working in isolation.” She commended the NDLEA for taking the lead in fostering this collaboration.
A unified approach to drug control
The MoU between NDLEA and NAFDAC marks a major shift in Nigeria’s approach to drug control and public health. Both agencies will now coordinate more closely, leveraging their respective expertise and authority to protect citizens from the harmful effects of illicit drugs and counterfeit products.
By joining forces, the two organizations are signaling a stronger, more coordinated effort in the war against drug abuse. The partnership will focus not only on law enforcement but also on public health, aiming to create safer, healthier communities across Nigeria.
As NDLEA partners NAFDAC to combat drug abuse, Nigerians can expect a more effective and comprehensive response to the growing drug crisis and its related challenges. The success of this collaboration could set a model for other agencies working on similar issues in the country.
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