By correspondent in Abuja.
L-R: Prof.Mojisola Adeyeye,& Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa(rtd).
The renewed partnership between the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) aims to curb substance abuse and protect public health.
This was affirmed by the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, and retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, Chairman of the NDLEA, during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the NDLEA Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday.
Marwa described the partnership as a significant turning point in the agencies’ shared mission to enhance operational effectiveness, safeguard public health, and ensure community safety.
“NAFDAC and NDLEA are critical to our citizens’ health and safety,” he said. “While NDLEA focuses on combating illicit drug production, trafficking, and abuse, NAFDAC is tasked with regulating 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. Our collaboration spans decades, and today we are here to further strengthen it.”
The NDLEA Chairman explained that the MoU would establish a framework for sharing intelligence, facilities, and expertise, boosting their capacity to tackle the combined challenges of drug abuse and counterfeit products.
“As we sign this MoU today, we are taking important steps toward leveraging our collective strengths,” Marwa said. “It will align our strategies and resources, equipping us to confront the growing menace of drug abuse and ensure that only safe, approved, and genuine products reach consumers.”
He emphasized that the agreement is not just a formal commitment, but a pledge to intensify service delivery, reduce drug abuse, and ensure access to safe, high-quality products for the public.
Marwa urged all stakeholders to embrace the collaboration with enthusiasm and dedication, stressing the importance of open communication, knowledge sharing, and mutual support in tackling national challenges.
In her remarks, Prof. Adeyeye supported Marwa’s statement, emphasizing the significance of the MoU.
She said:“We cannot afford to work in silos when it comes to issues like substance abuse, illicit drug trafficking, and public health.
“While we may not be personally involved with illicit drugs, they can affect our families and communities. Illicit drugs compromise national security, alter the mind, and can lead to violence, terrorism, banditry, and other societal ills.”
She expressed concern over the serious health consequences of drug abuse, adding that, as a pharmacist, she often discussed both the benefits and side effects of drugs, with death being a common and tragic outcome of substance abuse.
Prof. Adeyeye stressed that NDLEA and NAFDAC must work closely together to address these issues and thanked Marwa for making the partnership possible.
“We cannot continue to work in isolation.This is a cultural shift. Working together as focused groups to solve problems is the way forward. Today’s ceremony signifies the beginning of that collaborative effort,” she said.
