The French government has commended the operational successes of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, especially in areas of illicit drug control and high rate of prosecution and conviction of offenders.
According to the NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi on Thursday the commendation was given by the French Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Marc Fonbaustier.
The French government also handed over some donated operational equipment to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) at the Agency’s National Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday 13th March 2025.
Fonbaustier noted that the Agency had done very well in the fight against illicit drugs and narcotics with over 57, 792 arrests; 9.9 million kilograms of seizures and 10,572 convictions within a space of four years.
He added that Nigeria’s records of achievements in the fight against illicit drugs place the country in a good position for great partnership and collaboration with France.
“You’re one of the best in the world in terms of the fight against illicit drugs and narcotics because of your operational successes, which give NDLEA an edge in terms of arrests, seizures, and high rate of convictions and as such we can learn some lessons from you while you learn from us as well,” he stated.
In his remark, the NDLEA boss appreciated the equipment donated to NDLEA, noting that Nigeria and France have been good partners, especially following the recent state visit by President Bola Tinubu to France.
Marwa noted that the equipment is a very important operational tool that will go a long way to enhance our work.
He emphasised earlier requests for special training on investigation and cyber transactions as well as support for the Alternative Development Project initiative of the Agency aimed at encouraging cannabis growers to embrace alternative crops.
