France commends Nigeria’s anti-drug efforts, donates equipment

The France Government has on Thursday March 13, 2025, commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for its successes, especially in areas of illicit drug control and high rate of prosecution and conviction of offenders in the last four years.

The France Ambassador to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier, gave the commendation while handing over some operational equipment donated by the France government to the agency to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig-Gen Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd) at the agency’s national headquarters in Abuja.

Speaking during the handover, he noted that the agency had done very well in the fight against illicit drugs and narcotics with over 57, 792 arrests; 9.9 million kilogrammes of seizures and 10,572 convictions within four years.

He added that Nigeria’s records of achievements in the fight against illicit drugs placed the country in a good position for great partnership and collaboration with France.

“You’re one of the best in the world in terms of fighting against illicit drugs and narcotics because of your operational successes.

“This gives NDLEA an edge in terms of arrests, seizures, high rate of convictions and as such we can learn some lessons from you while you learn from us as well,” Fonbaustier said.

In his remark, Marwa expressed appreciation for the donation of the equipment, noting that Nigeria and France had been good partners, especially following the recent state visit by President Bola Tinubu to France.

He said the donated equipment were important operational tools that would go a long way to enhance the agency’s work.

This partnership also includes plans for specialized training in investigations and cyber transactions.

It also support the NDLEA’s alternative development project, which encourages cannabis farmers to transition to alternative crops.

Meanwhile, Nigeria and France are said to share a robust and evolving partnership rooted in mutual respect and shared values.

This relationship spans various sectors, including economic cooperation, security, cultural exchange, and development initiatives.

Adding that the partnership is seen as one between equals, with both nations working together to address global challenges and promote shared prosperity.

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