The Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expressed readiness to strengthen its partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in combating drug abuse and illicit trafficking. The UAE also commended the NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), for his exemplary leadership and consistent operational successes in Nigeria’s anti-drug war.
The assurance was given by the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Saeed Musabbeh Alshamsi, during a courtesy visit to the NDLEA National Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.
Speaking during the visit, Ambassador Alshamsi lauded Marwa’s commitment and strategic leadership, describing the NDLEA’s achievements as impressive and worthy of international recognition.
“I’m here to appreciate your hard work and the great leadership you have provided the NDLEA. We have been following your achievements closely, and I must say you have done very well and continue to do an excellent job. We are particularly proud of your efforts in intercepting drugs destined for the UAE. This visit is to reaffirm our commitment to deepening cooperation with your agency in the global fight against drug trafficking,” Alshamsi stated.
The envoy further revealed that the UAE government is prepared to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the NDLEA to enhance collaboration, particularly in intelligence sharing, monitoring of drug networks, and joint operations.
“We need to exchange information about drug dealers and their activities. It’s important to strengthen communication between the UAE and Nigeria, especially now that our bilateral relationship is at one of its best stages. We are here to support and assist your agency in every possible way,” the Ambassador added, while extending an invitation to Marwa to visit his UAE counterparts and the Dubai Police leadership for further discussions.
In his response, NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Marwa thanked the UAE envoy for the commendation and pledged the agency’s commitment to consolidating the partnership. He also applauded the UAE’s socio-economic growth and its expanding trade relations with Nigeria.
“I acknowledge the strong diplomatic relations between our two countries, which continue to grow stronger each year. The UAE’s multi-billion-dollar non-oil trade with Nigeria aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for peace, stability, and shared prosperity,” Marwa said.
He highlighted that the NDLEA had intercepted over 302.2 kilograms of assorted illicit substances bound for the UAE in the last four years, through both airport and courier channels.
“As the largest anti-narcotics agency in Africa, the NDLEA collaborates with leading drug enforcement bodies globally. We welcome this renewed cooperation with the UAE and are ready to visit for the signing of the MoU and further strategic engagements,” Marwa affirmed.
The meeting reinforced the growing diplomatic and operational synergy between Nigeria and the UAE in tackling the global challenge of drug trafficking and abuse.
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