By HeapNews
In a significant step towards combating drug abuse and ensuring public safety, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen their collaboration. The agreement, signed on November 13, 2024, at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja, aims to strengthen the agencies’ shared fight against drug abuse and counterfeit products in Nigeria.
Chairman/CEO of NDLEA Mohamed Buba Marwa, expressed optimism about the partnership, calling it a “turning point” in the agencies’ shared mission. “NAFDAC and NDLEA play vital roles in our citizens’ health and safety,” he stated. “While NDLEA focuses on combating illicit drug production, trafficking, and abuse, NAFDAC regulates and ensures the safety of food, drugs, and other consumables. Deepening our collaboration will ensure robust protection for public health and the well-being of our citizens.”
According to Marwa, the MoU provides a framework for sharing critical intelligence, facilities, and expertise between NDLEA and NAFDAC. “Today’s signing ceremony is not just a formal agreement but a commitment to our collective responsibility,” he noted. “Together, we will work towards creating safer communities, reducing drug abuse, and ensuring that only safe, approved, and genuine products reach the hands of consumers.”
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NAFDAC Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, echoed Marwa’s sentiments, stressing that the MoU is crucial in addressing societal challenges. She highlighted how substance abuse affects families and communities, saying, “We may not be taking illicit drugs, but we may have relatives or friends impacted. Illicit drugs alter minds, leading to potential violence, terrorism, banditry, and other societal ills.”
Adeyeye also called for a culture shift toward more collaborative problem-solving within Nigerian agencies. “We cannot afford to work in silos,” she stated. “This ceremony is a reminder that we must work together and support each other in tackling the issues facing our society.”
The NDLEA and NAFDAC leaders both emphasized the importance of open communication, shared knowledge, and mutual support in achieving the partnership’s goals.