Nigeria, Saudi Arabia sign MoU on narcotic control

Nigeria and Saudi Arabia have signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to bolster their operational partnership in combating narcotics trafficking.

The agreement, which was signed on Monday in Riyadh, formalizes a collaboration between Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC).

The MoU outlines a range of measures to strengthen the fight against drug trafficking, including intelligence exchange, joint investigations, and the provision of operational logistics to the NDLEA.

It also includes the availability of Saudi Arabia’s training academy for joint training programs, as well as the exchange of data on convicted individuals involved in drug-related offenses.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, NDLEA Chairman, retired Brigadier General Buba Marwa, emphasized the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia across various sectors.

Marwa, who was accompanied by the agency’s Director of Operations and General Investigation, Ahmed Ningi, highlighted the importance of this partnership in addressing the global challenge of narcotics control.

“Illicit drugs have become a global challenge that transcends geographical and ideological divides,” Marwa said. “Addressing this crisis requires setting aside artificial differences and working together in unity.”

Marwa also acknowledged Nigeria’s previous collaborations with international bodies, including the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA), and the French and German police.

He commended Saudi Arabia for its continuous support, which has strengthened the anti-narcotics efforts of both countries.

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In his remarks, Major General Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Qarni, Director-General of Saudi Arabia’s GDNC, expressed his delight at the signing of the MoU after over three years of discussions.

Al-Qarni commended the resilience and commitment of the NDLEA team in addressing the global issue of illicit drug trafficking and assured Saudi Arabia’s continued support.

“We are committed to the provisions of the MoU and will extend further support to the NDLEA in the months ahead,” Al-Qarni said.

The partnership between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia in narcotics control is expected to build on the collective expertise of both nations, establishing more effective strategies to tackle the complexities of global drug trafficking.