Nigeria and Qatar have strengthened partnership in the area of combating illicit drug trafficking with the symbolic exchange of instruments of ratification between the two countries.

This was carried out the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, retired  Brigadier General Buba Marwa and the Qatar Ambassador Ali Al- Hajri.

The exchange followed the historic signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between President Bola Tinubu and the Emir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Al Thani, on 3rd March 2024 in Doha.

The Memorandum of Understanding was on cooperation on combating illicit trade in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and their precursors.

Speaking at a brief ceremony at the Qatar Embassy in Abuja, Marwa expressed appreciation for the partnership between the two countries against a major threat to public health and security globally.

He assured that the NDLEA remains committed to collaborating with its counterpart in Doha to protect their people and countries from the threat of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.

Marwa noted that in the last four years, NDLEA had intercepted over 1,000 kilograms of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, cannabis and others heading to Qatar.

He commended the Qatar government for its peace building efforts and tremendous humanitarian work across the world through the Qatar Foundation.

The NDLEA boss sought the support of the Foundation in the area of provision of rehabilitation facilities for the treatment of people struggling with drug addiction.

In his response, Ambassador Ali Al- Hajri assured Marwa that he will present the request to the Foundation.

He noted that the partnership between the two countries has improved greatly and of recent increased the number travels between the two countries.

This is contained in a statement made available to newsmen by NDLEA Director Media and Advocacy Femi Babafemi.