Nigeria Seeks Qatar’s Support For Drug Rehabilitation As Partnership Strengthens

By Micheal Chukwuebuka

Nigeria and Qatar have strengthened their collaboration in the fight against illicit drug trafficking following the formal exchange of instruments of ratification between both nations.

The symbolic exchange was conducted by the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retired), and the Qatari Ambassador to Nigeria, Ali Bin Ghanem Al-Hajri.

This development follows the historic signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, on 3rd March 2024 in Doha. The MoU focuses on cooperation in combating the illicit trade in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, and their precursors.

Speaking during the ceremony at the Qatari Embassy in Abuja, Brig Gen Marwa appealed for Qatar’s support in the provision of rehabilitation facilities to aid the treatment and reintegration of individuals struggling with drug addiction.

In his remarks, Ambassador Al-Hajri commended the growing partnership between the two countries, noting that the strengthened ties are reflected in the increasing number of visits and exchanges between Nigeria and Qatar.