The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) of Nigeria and the National Drug Enforcement Authority (NDEA) of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation against drug trafficking. The agreement was signed on September 26, 2026, in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on the sidelines of the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice. This partnership aims to strengthen intelligence-sharing and joint enforcement operations between the two countries.
According to NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, the agreement is the result of years of engagement between the two agencies. He stated that the MoU will help tighten the noose on trafficking along the Nigeria-UAE corridor. Between 2021 and 2026, NDLEA intercepted 354.7kg of illicit drugs concealed in consignments destined for the UAE, arrested 47 suspects, and secured prosecutions. This underscores the need for closer cooperation to disrupt trafficking networks exploiting strong trade and travel links between the two countries.
The NDLEA has made significant strides in combating drug trafficking, with over 91,000 arrests, including 243 suspected drug barons, between January 2021 and July 2026. The agency seized over 15.5 million kilogrammes of illicit drugs and precursor chemicals, securing 16,469 convictions during the period. Additionally, more than 53,000 drug users have benefited from counselling, treatment, and rehabilitation, while the agency's War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy campaign has reached nearly 5.9 million Nigerians.
The new agreement will build on existing cooperation between NDLEA and NDEA, including the exchange of liaison personnel, sharing of operational information, and technical assistance. The UAE will provide Nigerian travellers with a comprehensive list of prohibited items to help prevent inadvertent violations of its drug laws. This will help prevent drug trafficking and ensure that travellers are aware of the country's laws and regulations.
The Chairman of NDEA, Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad Al Nahyan, reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to working with Nigeria to disrupt trafficking networks operating along their trade and travel routes. He described the MoU as a natural progression of the productive relationship already established between the two agencies. Both agencies expressed confidence that the agreement will lead to stronger intelligence-sharing, improved joint operations, and greater disruption of trafficking networks.
The partnership between NDLEA and NDEA is consistent with the shared international responsibility to combat illicit drug trafficking under the framework of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The agreement demonstrates the commitment of both countries to addressing the menace of drug trafficking and its associated problems. By working together, Nigeria and the UAE aim to reduce the flow of illicit drugs and promote a safer and healthier society.
The signing of the MoU marks a significant milestone in the cooperation between NDLEA and NDEA. Both agencies have expressed their commitment to implementing the agreement and achieving its objectives. With this partnership, Nigeria and the UAE are poised to make a significant impact in the fight against drug trafficking, and their collaboration will serve as a model for other countries to follow.
Key points
- The agreement will enhance intelligence-sharing and joint enforcement operations between NDLEA and NDEA.
- The partnership aims to disrupt trafficking networks operating along the Nigeria-UAE axis.
- The agreement is consistent with the shared international responsibility to combat illicit drug trafficking under the UNODC framework.
