ABUJA, Nigeria – The battle against drug abuse and counterfeit products in Nigeria gained momentum as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Wednesday. The agreement, sealed at NDLEA’s headquarters in Abuja, is aimed at enhancing intelligence sharing, resource allocation, and coordinated strategies to tackle the nation’s challenges around drug trafficking and counterfeit products.
Speaking at the ceremony, NDLEA’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), highlighted the importance of the partnership, calling it a “significant turning point” in their mutual mission to protect public health and enhance community safety. Marwa praised the collaboration as a means to bolster operational effectiveness, enabling both agencies to address substance abuse and ensure that only safe, approved products reach Nigerian consumers.
“NAFDAC and NDLEA play vital roles in our citizens’ health and safety,” Marwa said. “While the NDLEA combats illicit drug production, trafficking, and abuse, NAFDAC oversees the safety of food, drugs, and consumables. Deepening our collaboration will guarantee stronger public health protections for our citizens.”
Marwa explained that the MoU creates a framework to facilitate the sharing of critical intelligence, facilities, and expertise, fortifying their capacity to handle the intertwined issues of drug abuse and counterfeit products. “Today’s signing is not just a formal agreement,” he emphasized, “but a commitment to intensifying our service delivery and creating safer communities.”
NAFDAC’s Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, echoed Marwa’s sentiments, noting that the MoU reflects a collective responsibility to safeguard public health and national security. Prof. Adeyeye underscored the dangers of drug abuse, which affects not only individual users but has broader societal implications. She cited risks such as violence, terrorism, and other social ills that are often fueled by illicit drug use.
“It’s imperative that we don’t operate in isolation on issues of substance abuse and public health,” Prof. Adeyeye stressed. “We may not directly experience illicit drug use, but it impacts us all. This partnership will help mitigate those risks and address the broader consequences of drug abuse.”
She continued, “When it comes to addressing these societal issues, we cannot afford to work in silos. This MoU is a step toward a unified approach, where agencies like NAFDAC and NDLEA work closely together, pooling resources and expertise.”
Both leaders encouraged stakeholders within and beyond their organizations to embrace the partnership with enthusiasm, emphasizing the importance of open communication, shared knowledge, and unwavering dedication to the cause.
The MoU signing marks a new chapter for both agencies, with hopes that their reinforced collaboration will yield significant strides in the fight against drug abuse and ensure the availability of safe, genuine products for all Nigerians.