The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) and Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation and enhance 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.
Speaking ahead of the signing, NACOC Director-General, Brig. Gen. Maxwell Obuba Mantey, acknowledged Nigeria’s leadership role in the sub-region, noting that Ghana holds the country in high regard.
He said the longstanding relationship between Ghana and Nigeria is built on shared values, mutual respect, and a common commitment to peace and development across West Africa.
Brig. Gen. Mantey stressed that the drug trade in the region is becoming increasingly complex, making it difficult for any one country to tackle the problem alone. He emphasised the need for stronger collaboration to dismantle transnational criminal networks.
He described the MoU as a major 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 said.
He added that the agreement must translate into concrete outcomes, including enhanced intelligence sharing, coordinated joint operations, and structured training programmes.
Brig. Gen. Mantey also reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to working closely with Nigeria and other regional partners, while expressing appreciation to the NDLEA for the warm reception extended to his delegation.
On his part, NDLEA Chairman and CEO, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa, said the visit and signing of the agreement reflect the strong ties between the two countries.
He described the partnership as critical to maintaining regional security, noting that the MoU provides a formal framework to strengthen cooperation.
According to him, the agreement moves the relationship beyond informal engagements to a more structured and unified approach to tackling drug trafficking.
Brig. Gen. Marwa also issued a warning to those involved in the illegal drug trade, stating that Ghana and Nigeria will continue to work together to strengthen their strategies until their societies are protected from the threat of illicit drugs.
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