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Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad Al Nahyan, chairman of the UAE National Drug Enforcement Authority, witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between his agency and Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency. The agreement was inked by Rashid Hamad Al Shamsi, director-general of the NDEA, and Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, chairman and chief executive officer of the NDLEA, on the sidelines of the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice hosted by Abu Dhabi from September 26 to October 1. This step establishes a formal platform for the two countries to address a transnational threat that undermines societal safety, according to the Emirates News Agency.
The memorandum aims to enhance collaboration in countering the production, manufacture and illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and their precursors. It initiates a new stage of joint security efforts against criminal networks that span borders and exploit travel routes between the nations. The pact also underscores the robust bilateral relations and shared adherence to international conventions on drug control, the WAM report indicated.
A comprehensive framework for ongoing partnership is outlined in the agreement, which includes the exchange of information and data on anti-trafficking measures as well as smuggling incidents. The agencies will provide mutual support in controlled delivery operations while monitoring the movement of illicit substances across jurisdictions. Provisions further call for the sharing of expertise through training sessions, capacity-building workshops, reciprocal visits and the exchange of pertinent research along with legislative documents in compliance with national laws and global obligations.
NDLEA figures show that authorities in Nigeria intercepted 354.7 kilograms of illicit drugs destined for the UAE between 2021 and 2026. The seizures encompassed cocaine, cannabis, tramadol, Rohypnol, ecstasy and khat, resulting in the arrest and prosecution of 47 suspects over that period. These statistics highlight the operational demands along the Nigeria-UAE corridor and the potential benefits of closer coordination between the enforcement bodies.
Marwa said the agreement was the culmination of years of engagement between the two agencies. “The agreement was the culmination of years of engagement between the two agencies, adding that it would strengthen efforts to disrupt drug trafficking networks exploiting the strong travel and trade links between Nigeria and the UAE.” The partnership is set to expand existing mechanisms for liaison personnel exchanges and intelligence cooperation.
The memorandum aligns with the UAE’s strategy of developing bilateral ties with international security agencies to tackle drug trafficking and abuse that endanger public health and stability. Such arrangements support coordinated actions grounded in established global instruments targeting narcotic substances. The accord further cements diplomatic relations between the UAE and Nigeria that have facilitated joint initiatives on security matters.
