Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has been recognised for its growing global role in tackling drug trafficking, following its participation in a major maritime security conference in the United Kingdom.

The agency’s Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), described the invitation to the North Sea and Channel Maritime Information Group meeting as a “significant recognition” of Nigeria’s operational capacity.

Nigeria was the only African country represented at the gathering, which took place in Southampton, with additional operational exchanges in Felixstowe and Portsmouth between 4 and 12 March 2026.

Why it matters

The participation highlights Nigeria’s increasing importance in global counter-narcotics efforts, particularly as drug trafficking networks become more sophisticated and transnational.

Marwa said the exposure to international best practices would strengthen Nigeria’s ability to police its waterways and disrupt illicit drug routes.

“The exposure of NDLEA officers to advanced interdiction techniques, intelligence-sharing frameworks, and real-time maritime operations will further enhance the Agency’s ability,” he said.

Experts say maritime routes remain one of the most difficult channels to monitor, making international collaboration essential.

Nigeria’s growing global role

Marwa said the agency’s involvement in joint exercises with the UK Border Force marked a “major milestone” in strengthening cooperation against organised crime.

“The invitation extended to Nigeria as the only African country represented… is a significant recognition of NDLEA’s growing operational capacity, professionalism, and strategic relevance,” he added.

He also reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to building an intelligence-driven system capable of responding to evolving drug trafficking patterns.

Inside the UK engagement

The NDLEA delegation was led by Deputy Commander of Narcotics, Aminu Jega, who said the visit focused on strengthening intelligence sharing and operational collaboration.

According to him, the conference brought together maritime security stakeholders from across Europe and the UK to discuss emerging threats and coordinated responses.

“The primary objective of the visit was to strengthen operational cooperation, intelligence sharing, and maritime security collaboration,” Jega said.

He added that NDLEA’s presentation at the event drew “significant interest” and positive feedback from international counterparts.

Industry and international reactions

Marwa expressed appreciation to UK authorities, including the Home Office International Operations and Border Force, for supporting Nigeria’s participation.

Security analysts say such partnerships are critical as West Africa continues to be a transit hub for global drug trafficking networks.

They note that improved intelligence-sharing could help Nigeria intercept shipments earlier and reduce the impact of narcotics on local communities.

What’s next

The NDLEA says it plans to deepen partnerships with global agencies and leverage international platforms to improve operational efficiency.

Marwa stressed that collaboration would remain central to Nigeria’s strategy in combating drug-related crimes.

“The Agency will continue to leverage such platforms to improve operational efficiency and achieve its mandate,” he said.

Historic Surge in Cargo Signals Maritime Transformation

Nigeria’s maritime sector, which handles over 80% of the country’s international trade, is experiencing a major overhaul under the leadership of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Managing Director, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho.

The NPA’s 2025 Operational Performance Report reveals a record-breaking 24.8% increase in total cargo throughput, rising from 103.6 million metric tons in 2024 to 129.3 million metric tons in 2025. Dr. Dantsoho described this as “one of the most significant annual increases in Nigeria’s maritime history,” underscoring the nation’s growing competitiveness in regional and global trade.

Why Port Modernisation Matters

For decades, Nigeria’s ports struggled with congestion, outdated infrastructure, and operational inefficiencies. Experts estimate the country loses over N1 trillion annually due to delays, administrative duplication, and lack of automation. Neighboring ports in Ghana, Togo, and Benin Republic have capitalized on modern facilities, diverting cargo that would otherwise pass through Nigeria.

President Bola Tinubu’s administration, in collaboration with the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy under Adegboyega Oyetola, is reversing this trend through comprehensive port modernisation and the deployment of the National Single Window (NSW) digital platform.

“Efficient ports are indispensable to economic growth. Modernisation will reduce vessel turnaround time, lower freight costs, and improve Nigeria’s competitiveness,” – Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, NPA MD.

Ports Reconstruction and Modern Infrastructure

The federal government is undertaking a major infrastructure renewal at key ports, including Apapa, Tin Can Island, Port Harcourt, Warri, and Calabar. Projects include:

Upgrading quay walls

Deepening channels

Modernising cargo-handling equipment

Expanding terminal capacity

These upgrades aim to reduce vessel waiting times, accelerate cargo clearance, and cut logistics costs. Early indicators show ship calls exceeding 4,000 vessels and container traffic at 1.74 million TEUs, reflecting rising trade activity.

Digital Transformation Through the National Single Window

The NSW is a digital platform designed to streamline all import, export, and transit documentation through a single portal, eliminating the need to interact with multiple government agencies.

Last week, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila announced the NSW launch for March 27, calling it a “monumental fiscal reform” to improve trade efficiency and Nigeria’s global competitiveness.

 “We are about to launch yet another reform, fiscal reform by this administration, which in its nature will be very transformational,” – Femi Gbajabiamila.

NSW aims to:

Reduce cargo dwell time by 35–45%

Cut trade transaction costs by up to 25%

Boost customs revenue by 10–20% annually (an estimated N600 billion to N1.2 trillion)

Integration with NPA systems, including the Revenue Invoice Management System (RIMS 2.0), ensures seamless data sharing and improved accountability.

Economic Impact and Job Creation

Modernised ports and digital trade systems are expected to stimulate economic growth by:

Enhancing export competitiveness

Reducing logistics costs for businesses

Attracting foreign direct investment in shipping, logistics, and manufacturing

Analysts project that a fully operational digital maritime ecosystem could generate over 100,000 direct and indirect jobs in logistics and ICT sectors.

Institutional Leadership Driving Change

The NPA has deployed advanced tools like the Port Community System, Vessel Traffic Management System, and digital cargo tracking platforms to support the NSW rollout. In 2024, NPA revenue reached N894.86 billion, with N400.8 billion remitted to the Consolidated Revenue Fund, nearly double the previous year.

The Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, led by Adegboyega Oyetola, provides policy direction and regulatory coordination, positioning Nigeria’s ports as a major regional logistics hub.

Looking Ahead: Nigeria’s Maritime Future

With modernised infrastructure and digital integration, Nigeria is poised to become a key maritime hub in West and Central Africa. Ports like Lekki Deep Sea Port are already showing strong growth in container traffic and trans-shipment volumes, signalling a potential regional redistribution role.

If sustained, these reforms could transform Nigeria’s maritime sector into a driver of industrial expansion, trade integration, and long-term economic prosperity, reshaping the country’s role in global trade.

Trade unions from Nigeria, Kenya and Uganda have asked the Senegalese government to stop what they describe as “intimidatory acts” against water sector workers, warning that the situation threatens labour rights and the delivery of public services.

They said the pressure allegedly being placed on union leaders, particularly Oumar Ba, risks creating divisions within the sector at a time when many households depend heavily on stable, affordable water access.

Regional unions raise alarm

In a statement issued on 9 December, 15 trade unions and civil society groups said they were “disturbed” by what they described as escalating pressure from SEN’EAU management on Mr Ba, who leads the Autonomous Union of Water Workers of Senegal (SATES).

Mr Ba has been “at the fore of agitation for fair and equitable public water services and the rights of workers,” the groups said.

They accused SEN’EAU of victimising him for “refusing to accept their double dealing and attempt to sideline his union,” while negotiating multi-year agreements with other unions.

Claims of ‘divide and rule’

The groups warned against the introduction of “divide and rule tactics” among unions in Senegal’s public water sector.

They argued that sidelining SATES, which has been a prominent voice on workers’ rights, threatens transparency in a sector that directly affects millions of citizens.

“Even with the growing outrage over what is being unleashed on workers… the Senegalese government has maintained a complicit silence,” the statement read.

Rights concerns

The organisations said the alleged intimidation undermines constitutional freedoms guaranteed under Articles 8 and 10 of Senegal’s Constitution, including the rights to expression, association and collective action.

“No one individual or organisation and not even the government has the right to prevent workers from exercising these rights and liberties,” they said.

Call for government intervention

The coalition urged Senegal’s authorities to conduct “an independent, detailed and transparent review” of SEN’EAU’s management practices.

They said this would help ensure that workers’ rights and public accountability are upheld.

The statement was jointly signed by labour unions from Nigeria, Kenya and Uganda, including the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations (Nigeria), the Union of Kenya Civil Servants, and the Uganda Public Employees Union.

What’s next

Unions say they expect the government to respond publicly, adding that they remain “resolute in advocating for fair treatment and improved work conditions.”

Observers say the response from Dakar may set a precedent for labour relations in other African public service sectors.