The French government has lauded Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for its outstanding efforts in combating illicit drug trafficking, particularly in arrests, prosecutions, and convictions.
The commendation came on Thursday from the French Ambassador to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier, during a handover ceremony at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja. Ambassador Fonbaustier presented operational equipment donated by France to the NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd).
Acknowledging the agency’s remarkable achievements, Fonbaustier cited NDLEA’s record of 57,792 arrests, the seizure of 9.9 million kilograms of illicit drugs, and 10,572 convictions over the past four years.
He described Nigeria’s success in drug enforcement as exemplary, adding that it positions the country as a key partner for France in the global fight against narcotics.
“You are among the best in the world in the fight against illicit drugs and narcotics. Your operational successes—marked by arrests, seizures, and high conviction rates—set NDLEA apart. We have a lot to learn from each other in this ongoing battle,” Fonbaustier said.
In response, Marwa expressed appreciation for the support and underscored Nigeria’s commitment to its partnership with France. He highlighted the significance of the donated equipment, stating that it would strengthen the agency’s operational capacity.
Marwa also reiterated NDLEA’s request for specialized training in areas such as investigations and cybercrime related to drug transactions. Additionally, he called for support in advancing the agency’s Alternative Development Project, an initiative aimed at helping cannabis farmers switch to cultivating alternative, legal crops.
The gesture comes on the heels of President Bola Tinubu’s recent state visit to France, which further strengthened bilateral relations between both nations.