The United States Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL) has pledged its support for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Candace Spradley, INL country director in Nigeria, made the pledge on Monday during a courtesy visit to Buba Marwa, chairman of NDLEA, at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.
Spradley, who was accompanied by Ada Aki, her colleague, said the visit was aimed at reinforcing the US government’s commitment to the fight against narcotics and to strengthen the existing partnership with the NDLEA.
He also commended NDLEA for its operational successes, and reaffirmed US commitment for deeper collaboration in the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
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“Our visit is to underscore the importance of our collaboration and to assure you that we’re ready to support your work,” Spradley said.
“If there is any area of assistance you would like, we’ll be ready to assist you.”
On his part, Marwa thanked INL for its longstanding support, noting that the agency has been instrumental in the NDLEA’s emergence as “Africa’s leading anti-narcotics agency”.
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He reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to tackling the menace of drug abuse and trafficking, while noting key areas of need of the agency to include operational vehicles, forensic laboratory equipment, amoung others.
He added that the support would improve the agency’s operational capacity and bolster its efforts in drug demand and supply reduction across the country.
