The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has pledged stronger support and partnership with Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the ongoing fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
The UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Saeed Musabbeh Alshamsi, gave the assurance on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja, where he commended the agency’s Chairman/Chief Executive, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Marwa (rtd), for what he described as “outstanding leadership and consistent operational successes.”
“I’m here to appreciate your hard work and the great leadership you have provided the NDLEA,” the envoy said.
“We follow all the good work you’ve been doing, especially the drugs you’re seizing and blocking from coming to the UAE. We’re so proud of your achievements, and that’s why we’re here to deepen our cooperation with your agency.”
Alshamsi disclosed that the UAE was ready to sign a memorandum of understanding with the NDLEA to enhance collaboration in intelligence sharing, investigation, and joint operations.
He also extended an invitation to Marwa to visit his UAE counterpart and the Dubai Police for further engagements.
“We need to exchange information about drug dealers and their activities. Our mission is to assist and support you in this fight.
“The relationship between our two countries is now one of the best, and we want to build on that through greater communication and cooperation,” he added.
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Marwa thanked the UAE government for its goodwill and support, noting that the growing diplomatic and economic ties between both nations align with the Tinubu administration’s agenda, which prioritizes peace, stability, and prosperity.
“I’d like to acknowledge the strong diplomatic relations between our two countries that have continued to grow stronger every year,” Marwa said.
“The drug scourge is a global challenge, and no country can fight it alone. Collaboration is essential, and we’re ready to work more closely with our UAE partners.”
He revealed that in the past four years, the NDLEA had intercepted 302.202 kilograms of assorted illicit substances bound for the UAE through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, and courier companies.
“As the largest anti-narcotics agency in Africa, we partner with all leading drug enforcement agencies across the world,” Marwa stated, adding that he looked forward to visiting the UAE to formalize the cooperation through the proposed agreement.
