What to know about NACOC's agreement with Nigeria’s NDLEA

The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) of Ghana has sealed a pact with Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) with the signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation and real-time intelligence sharing in the fight against drug trafficking.

The agreement was signed on May 5, 2026, at the NDLEA National Headquarters in Abuja, and was witnessed by Dr Gladys Mansa Yawa Feddy Akyea, Deputy Head of Mission at the Ghana High Commission in Nigeria, according to a report by adomonline.com, on May 6, 2026.

Before the signing, NACOC Director-General, Brig Gen Maxwell Obuba Mantey, acknowledged Nigeria’s leadership in the sub-region and expressed Ghana's respect for the country.

He stated that the longstanding relationship between Ghana and Nigeria is based on shared values, mutual respect, and a common commitment to peace and development across West Africa.

Brig Gen Mantey emphasised the increasing complexity of the drug trade in the region, which makes it challenging for any single country to address the issue independently.

He stressed the importance of stronger collaboration to dismantle transnational criminal networks and described the MoU as a crucial step toward deepening cooperation between the two agencies.

“The true value of this partnership will be defined not only by what we have signed, but by what we implement,” he stated.

He added that "the agreement must lead to tangible outcomes, including enhanced intelligence sharing, coordinated joint operations, and structured training programs."

NDLEA's Chairman, Brig Gen Mohammed Buba Marwa, noted that the signing marks a significant reflection of the strong ties between the two countries and its impact on maintaining regional security.

He stated that the agreement transitions their relationship from informal engagements to a more organised and unified approach to combating drug trafficking.

Brig Gen Marwa also warned those involved in the illegal drug trade.

He stressed that Ghana and Nigeria will continue to collaborate to strengthen their strategies until their societies are protected from the threat of illicit drugs.

NAD/VPO

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