Nigeria, India sign MoU to ‘block pipeline of illicit drug flow’

Nigeria and India have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU), to block illicit drug flow between both countries.

The MoU was undertaken by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Narcotics Control Bureau of India.

Signing the MoU on Wednesday, Buba Marwa, NDLEA chairman, said the move represents a commitment by the two countries to ensuring the safety of citizens and the global community at large.

Marwa said the partnership would greatly impact efforts to prevent “illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, precursor chemicals, and related matters” between Nigeria and India.

“Today’s development constitutes a fundamental step towards positioning the two countries, India and Nigeria, at the forefront of confronting and dismantling transnational drug trafficking networks with brazen capabilities of outmanoeuvring legitimate drug law enforcement,” he said.

“With our understanding of the changing dynamics of the illicit drug problems, locally and globally, every major organisation around the world working assiduously to curb the menace knows that working with partners greatly helps in addressing the trafficking and abuse of narcotic and psychotropic substances.

“The governments of both countries remain committed to eradicating the problem posed by illicit substances, notably synthetic opioids and Amphetamine Type Stimulants (ATS) which pose a potent threat to our citizens.”

Signing on behalf of his country, Shri G. Balasubramanian, Indian high commissioner to Nigeria and head of the Indian delegation, said proceeds of drug trafficking are often directed towards terrorism financing.

He said drug trafficking does not only affect the health of the individual that consumes it but also the economy of the country and national security.

He advised that both countries should take advantage of their similar demographic advantage to address substance use problems, adding that all hands must be on deck to ensure that merchants of death do not succeed in their evil trade.