Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd) has signed a new Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with the United States Government on how to strengthen Nigeria’s war against drug even as he assured that the agency would be hard against drug traffickers, exporters, and importers operating in the country.

He disclosed this when he received the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard in his office in Abuja.

According to Gen. Marwa, “We will be hard against drug criminals. We will be serious. We are going to rid this country of the illicit drug trade, trafficking, and consumption. But in carrying out this onerous task, I will take this opportunity to seek more of your support for the agency to enable us to move faster.”

“I must thank the US government for all the support NDLEA has received through the years. Indeed, this week, I distributed 12 vehicles which I got wind of during my time in PACEDA (Presidential Advisory Committee for the Elimination of Drugs Abuse). I also got wind of delayed Memorandum of Understanding, MOU, between the agency and the United States. I am happy to say I have signed the MOU.”

While thanking the US Ambassador for the visit, the NDLEA chairman said, “On behalf of the officers and men of the NDLEA, I like to commend you for your visit which is remarkable, coming just in the second week of my assumption of office. This speaks volumes to the agency.”

In her remarks, the US Ambassador said the visit was to congratulate Marwa on his appointment as NDLEA boss. “We also like to know your priority, present, and future direction of the agency under your leadership.

We have a long history of relationships. It was great to come to see him (Marwa), to get his assessment of the situation on the ground, and know how to move the relationship forward,” Ms. Beth Leonard said.