National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Chairman, Buba Marwa, has stated that smuggling illicit substances through Murtala Muhammed International Airport has become extremely challenging due to heightened security and anti-narcotics operations.
Marwa described the Lagos airport as one of the most tightly monitored airports globally in the fight against drug trafficking.
He made the remarks on Tuesday at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja while hosting a delegation from Narcotics Control Commission led by its Director-General, Maxwell Obuba Mantey, during a study visit focused on the agency’s operational strategies.
According to Marwa, stronger collaboration between Nigeria and Ghana is essential in addressing the rising threat posed by drug trafficking and related criminal activities across the West African region.
“We recognize that by coming together to share expertise in intelligence-led operations and interdiction strategies, we are effectively narrowing the space for criminal cartels to operate within our sub-region,” he said.
He noted that the visit goes beyond a routine study tour, describing it as part of efforts to deepen strategic cooperation between both anti-drug agencies.
Marwa said the engagement would enable both sides to exchange ideas on intelligence gathering, digital forensics and institutional best practices.
He added that enhanced collaboration would boost efforts to dismantle illicit drug networks, curb the production of psychotropic substances and tackle money laundering linked to narcotics trafficking.
During the visit, NDLEA and NACOC signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, aimed at formalising cooperation between the two agencies.
Marwa described the agreement as a significant step toward strengthening coordinated actions against drug syndicates operating within the region.
“This agreement on combating the illicit production of psychotropic substances, their precursors, and related money laundering activities provides us with a legal and operational roadmap. It moves our relationship from informal consultation to a structured, aggressive, and unified front against drug barons,” he said.
In his remarks, Mantey stated that the visit was intended to reinforce the existing relationship between both countries and improve operational collaboration.
“For us therefore, this visit is not about beginning a new chapter, but about strengthening an already solid foundation, deepening trust, exchanging experiences, and making our collaboration even more practical and impactful,” he said.
He further observed that drug trafficking operations across the region are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making stronger cross-border partnerships necessary to effectively combat emerging threats.
Smuggling drugs through Lagos airport extremely difficult – Marwa