Nigeria and the State of Qatar have taken a major step forward in strengthening their partnership in the global campaign against illicit drug trafficking with the formal exchange of instruments of ratification between both countries in Abuja.
The symbolic exchange, which took place on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at the embassy of Qatar, was performed by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), and the Qatari Ambassador to Nigeria, Ali Bin Ghanem Al-Hajri.
The ratification marks the activation of the memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illicit trade in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, and their precursors, which was signed on March 3, 2024, in Doha, by President Bola Tinubu and the Emir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
The agreement underscores the commitment of both nations to deepen bilateral relations in addressing the global challenge of drug abuse and transnational trafficking networks.
Speaking at the brief but significant ceremony, Marwa described the partnership as a milestone in Nigeria’s sustained efforts to collaborate with friendly nations in the fight against the trafficking and abuse of illicit drugs.
He noted that the scourge of drug trafficking poses a grave threat to national security, public health, and social stability around the world.
“The NDLEA remains fully committed to working with our partners in Qatar to protect our people and countries from the menace of substance abuse and the illicit trade in narcotic drugs,” Marwa said.
“Over the past four years, our agency has intercepted more than 1,000 kilograms of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, cannabis, and other illegal substances heading to Qatar.”
According to him, the new agreement will facilitate intelligence sharing, joint operations, and technical cooperation between both countries, which he described as crucial in dismantling international drug cartels that exploit global trade routes.
Marwa also praised the Qatari government for its humanitarian interventions and peacebuilding efforts across the world through the Qatar Foundation. He appealed for the Foundation’s assistance in expanding Nigeria’s capacity to rehabilitate and reintegrate individuals struggling with drug addiction.
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“Our agency is not only focused on arrests and seizures but also on providing hope and healing for victims of drug dependency.
“We therefore seek the support of the Qatar Foundation in building rehabilitation and counselling centres that can help restore many lives destroyed by drug abuse,” the NDLEA boss said.
In his remarks, Ambassador Ali Bin Ghanem Al-Hajri lauded the NDLEA’s remarkable achievements under Marwa’s leadership, noting that Nigeria had demonstrated a strong commitment to tackling the drug menace.
He assured that he would convey Marwa’s request to the Qatar Foundation, expressing optimism that the Foundation would positively consider the proposal.
The envoy also commended the growing diplomatic and economic cooperation between Nigeria and Qatar, saying that the renewed collaboration in drug control would further strengthen ties between the two nations.
“The partnership between our countries has continued to improve, and we have witnessed an increase in travel, exchanges, and joint initiatives in recent years,” Al-Hajri said.
The event concluded with both officials reaffirming their shared commitment to a drug-free society and a safer world.
