NIGERIA AND QATAR STRENGTHEN PARTNERSHIP AGAINST ILLICIT DRUG TRAFFICKING

opeolumartinOctober 8, 202503 mins

Abuja, Nigeria | October 8, 2025

Nigeria and the State of Qatar have taken a significant step forward in their bilateral efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking, with a formal exchange of instruments of ratification between the two nations. The symbolic exchange took place in Abuja between the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retired), and the Qatari Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Ali Bin Ghanem Al-Hajri.
This move follows the signing of a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on March 3, 2024, in Doha, between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The MoU focused on strengthening cooperation in the fight against the illicit trade in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, and their precursors.

Speaking during the ceremony held at the Embassy of Qatar in Abuja, Gen. Marwa emphasized the importance of the agreement and its potential impact on Nigeria’s ongoing fight against drug abuse and trafficking. He called on the Qatari government to support Nigeria, particularly in the area of drug rehabilitation by helping to provide facilities and expertise for the treatment of individuals battling addiction.

“The fight against drug abuse and trafficking goes beyond enforcement; it also includes treatment and rehabilitation. We are hopeful that through this partnership, Qatar can support us in building capacity to care for victims of drug addiction,” Marwa said.
In response, Ambassador Al-Hajri expressed satisfaction with the growing cooperation between both countries. He noted that diplomatic ties have deepened in recent years, with increasing travel and exchanges between citizens of both nations. He described the ratification as a milestone that would open new avenues for collaboration in law enforcement and public health.

The agreement is expected to enhance intelligence sharing, joint operations, training, and the development of preventive measures to tackle drug-related crimes across borders.
With this development, Nigeria and Qatar have solidified their commitment to a united front in addressing one of the most pressing global challenges—drug trafficking and abuse—through meaningful collaboration, mutual support, and international partnership.