30 years of tackling drugs trafficking : NAGAFF Commends NDLEA * Calls for establishment of human rights desk

30 years of tackling drugs trafficking :
NAGAFF Commends NDLEA

* Calls for establishment of human rights desk

By Udeme Clement:

The Secretary General, National Association of Government approved Freight Forwarders, NAGAFF, Mr. Dipo Olayoku, has commended National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA on its tenacity for tackling drugs trafficking and other drugs related offences in the country.

He gave this commendation in a goodwill message by NAGAFF, congratulating NDLEA on its 30 years anniversary.

He stressed that NDLEA as an agency of government has worked assiduously to curb drugs related crimes for three decades in Nigeria.

His assertions; “It is clear that NDLEA is operating in tandem with its vision and mission to make Nigeria a drug free society. For 30 years now, the agency has demonstrated its capability in curtailing the menace of drugs syndicates in the country.”

He informed;. “We are also expressing our gratitude to the Director of NDLEA in charge of Seaports Operations, Mrs. Omolade Faboyede, who visited NAGAFF headquarters, at Apapa, Lagos, to re-emphasiised the mission of NDLEA to Freight Forwarders.

“Her visit came in the nick of time to enlighten us more on psychotropic substances, aside from cocaine, heroine that are commonly known to Nigerian public.
” We believe that NDLEA, after three decades will continue to engage Private Sector players, as well as other responsible partners, with a view to achieving its core mandates”.

As a paramilitary organisation, NAGAFF advised the Management of NDLEA to ensure more discipline among its officers at the ports.

His words; “Before establishment of NDLEA, drug traffickers carried out their illicit business without any fear of apprehension, as there were incessant cases of drug abuse in the country. Such that, Nigeria was known as the transit hub of drug cartel.
“At present, the story has changed with the proactiveness of NDLEA, and the agency has numerous accolades, locally and internationally to show for its achievements.”

He expressed the readiness of NAGAFF members as important stakeholders in maritime industry to continue working with NDLEA as responsible partners.

While further commending the Agency, NAGAFF suggested that its management should set up a Human Rights Desk, for issues of human rights violations to be adequately addressed .

He pointed out, “When offenders are being arraigned in courts, there is need to ensure that provisions for Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 are strictly adhered to, especially in adjournment of cases.

“The Act states that adjournments must not exceed 14 days, at any given time. The agency should follow this, in order to ensure quick dispensation of Justice. Justice delayed, is justice denied”.