…ENVOY ASSURES OF SUPPORT AS MARWA SEEKS PROVISION OF REHABILITATION FACILITIES
Nigeria and Qatar have reaffirmed their commitment to a stronger partnership in the fight against illicit drug trafficking, following the formal exchange of instruments of ratification between both nations. The exchange was carried out by the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), and the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Nigeria, Ali Bin Ghanem Al-Hajri.
This development follows the historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on March 3, 2024, in Doha, between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to enhance cooperation in combating the illicit trade in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, and their precursors.
Speaking during a brief ceremony at the Qatar Embassy in Abuja on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, Marwa commended the strengthening ties between both countries in addressing a global threat to public health and security. He reaffirmed NDLEA’s commitment to sustained collaboration with Qatari authorities in tackling drug trafficking and abuse.
“The NDLEA remains fully committed to working with our Qatari counterparts to protect our people and countries from the threat of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking,” Marwa stated. “In the last four years alone, our operations have intercepted over 1,000 kilograms of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, cannabis, and other illicit substances destined for Qatar.”
While commending the Qatar government for its peacebuilding efforts and global humanitarian initiatives through the Qatar Foundation, the NDLEA boss appealed for the Foundation’s support in establishing rehabilitation facilities for individuals struggling with drug addiction in Nigeria.
In response, Ambassador Ali Bin Ghanem Al-Hajri assured that he would present Marwa’s request to the Qatar Foundation. He noted the remarkable improvement in bilateral relations between the two countries and the steady increase in the number of travelers between Nigeria and Qatar.
“Our partnership with Nigeria continues to deepen, and we are optimistic that this collaboration will yield greater results in our shared fight against illicit drugs,” the envoy said.
Director, Media & Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, further disclosed that the event marks another milestone in Nigeria’s growing international cooperation efforts to strengthen law enforcement capacity and improve public health outcomes through effective drug control strategies.
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