The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have synergise in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking within Nigeria’s maritime domain.
During a courtesy visit by the NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd), to the NIMASA Towers in Lagos, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, commended the NDLEA for its remarkable achievements in combating drug-related crimes across Nigeria .
NIMASA will also explore avenues to integrate NDLEA personnel into the existing maritime security architecture, particularly in the Deep Blue Project .
Dr. Mobereola pledged that NIMASA would collaborate with the NDLEA to secure Nigeria’s maritime space against the illicit shipment of drugs.
He emphasized that the Nigerian maritime domain must not be exploited for criminal activities.
In response, Brig. Gen. Marwa expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and emphasized the need for collaboration to address the rising threat of drug trafficking through maritime channels.
He noted that recent seizures of illicit drugs transported through Lagos ports underscore the need for joint efforts to secure the ports .
The NDLEA Chairman proposed close collaboration between the NDLEA’s Marine Command and NIMASA, particularly through the Deep Blue Project, to enhance the protection of Nigeria’s maritime space.
The Deep Blue Project is a joint initiative of the Federal Ministry of Transportation and the Federal Ministry of Defence, aimed at strengthening maritime security in Nigeria .
As part of the collaboration, the NDLEA will sensitize NIMASA staff and cadets under the National Seafarers Development Program (NSDP) on the dangers of drug abuse.
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