The ongoing fight against drug abuse and trafficking in the country got a boost when the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to share ) Put signature on. Critical intelligence, features and expertise.
Speaking at the signing ceremony at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the anti-narcotics agency, Brig. General Buba Marwa (rtd) said the renewed partnership between the NDLEA and NAFDAC will curb drug abuse and protect public health. This position was confirmed by the Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye also did.
Marwa said the development “marks a turning point in our shared effort to improve operational effectiveness, protect public health, and guarantee community safety.”
He said that: “NAFDAC and NDLEA play a vital role in the health and safety of our citizens. While the NDLEA focuses on combating illicit drug production, trafficking and abuse, NAFDAC is responsible for regulating and ensuring the safety of food, drugs and other consumables.
“Therefore, deepening our cooperation will ensure stronger protection for the public health and well-being of our citizens. Our cooperation has spanned decades and we are here today to further strengthen it.”
He said the MoU will establish a framework that will enhance the exchange of critical intelligence, facilities and expertise, which will enhance the ability to effectively address the underlying challenges of drug abuse and counterfeit products.
Marwa said: “As we sign this MoU today, we are taking important steps towards harnessing our collective strengths. This will align our strategies and resources, making us better equipped to tackle the growing threat of drug abuse and ensure that only safe, approved and genuine products reach the hands of consumers.
“Today's signing ceremony is not just a formal agreement, but a commitment to our collective responsibility to accelerate our service delivery. Together, we will work towards creating safer communities, reducing the spread of drug abuse and ensuring that our people have access to safe and high-quality products.
The NDLEA boss urged all to embrace the collaboration with enthusiasm and dedication, stressing the importance of maintaining open lines of communication, sharing knowledge and supporting each other in the national work.
In his comment, Prof. Adeyeye, while in sync with the position of the NDLEA President on the importance of the MOU, said stakeholders cannot afford to work in isolation on issues related to drug abuse, illicit drug trafficking and public health in Nigeria.
She said: “We may not be taking illegal drugs, but our relatives may be taking illegal drugs. Our relatives may not be taking illegal drugs, but our relatives' friends may be taking illegal drugs. When we look at it globally, it is our national security.
“Not knowing what your neighbor might do to you, because illegal drugs alter the state of mind. Illicit drugs work directly on the central nervous system and make a person feel things they should not feel. And this can include violence, terrorism, banditry, and these are high levels of social evils that can result from illegal drugs.
“Certainly it can lead to spousal abuse, children's failure in school, health conditions. As a pharmacist, whenever we deal with the pharmacology of a drug, we talk about benefits, benefits, benefits and then we talk about side effects.
“And one of the side effects of almost all drugs is death. It is logical that the NDLEA and NAFDAC should work very closely together. And I want to thank the Chairman again for doing that. We stand by it in terms of timing and otherwise.
“We cannot afford to operate in silos in Nigeria. We have sister agencies that work in silos, including NAFDAC. We are changing the culture right now. Working as focus groups to deal with problems, solve problems.
“So, this ceremony is for all of us to think that we have to work together, and cooperate together.”
Michael Olugbode
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