A growing challenge for Nigeria’s airports – Radio Nigeria Lagos

The fight against drug trafficking, especially at Nigeria’s airports, is a complex and challenging affair that requires sustained and coordinated efforts.

As Garba Ahmadu, Director of Operations, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), highlighted at the Airport Business Summit and Expo in Lagos, in a presentation titled: “Collaborative Efforts at Preventing Drug Trafficking at the Airports Corridors in Nigeria”, these corridors have become crucial battlegrounds in the global fight against illicit drug trafficking.

Nigeria’s geographical location between South America, Europe and Africa has made it a strategic target for international drug traffickers, making airports such as Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja particularly vulnerable.

According to Mr Ahmadu, the NDLEA, with the support of other national and international stakeholders, has intensified its efforts to thwart the activities of these criminal organisations. The organisation recognises that airports are increasingly being used as gateways for drug trafficking.

Drug trafficking poses a serious threat to public health and safety worldwide. Recent data underlines the scale of this challenge. For example, a Europol-led operation between 11 and 18 December 2023 targeted drug trafficking through airports, resulting in 46 arrests and the seizure of significant quantities of drugs, including more than 350 kilograms of cannabis and cocaine.

These international efforts, involving Interpol, Frontex and law enforcement agencies from 36 countries, show how important cooperation is in this fight.

Nigeria has not been left out of these global efforts. Between October 2020 and October 2023, the NDLEA Special Command at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport seized and destroyed over 15,000 kilograms of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

In 2022, more than N5 billion worth of drugs were seized at Murtala Muhammed Airport, underscoring the alarming scale of the drug problem.

The impact of drug trafficking on Nigeria extends beyond security concerns; it also has profound implications for the country’s health and economic security. Drug abuse in Nigeria has reached epidemic proportions, with over 29.4 million Nigerians between the ages of 15 and 64 reportedly abusing psychoactive substances.

The consequences are serious, contributing to a range of health problems including mental illness, HIV and heart disease. Furthermore, the economic burden of drug trafficking is staggering. The direct cost of treating substance use disorders, combined with lost productivity, is estimated at around 12 billion naira per year.

The World Bank’s poverty line statistics highlight the economic toll this takes, with many Nigerians spending a substantial portion of their income on drugs, further increasing poverty.

To address these challenges, a multifaceted approach is needed. The NDLEA is spearheading national efforts to curb drug trafficking.

NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Mr Femi Babafemi, says the agency uses advanced detection technologies such as x-ray scanners and sniffer dogs, and meticulously compiles passenger profiles and collects intelligence.

For example, in January 2024, the NDLEA intercepted a large consignment of cocaine and Colorado at the Tincan Seaport in Lagos, seizing over 1,200 packages containing drugs, firearms and ammunition. This success underscores the importance of continuous surveillance and intelligence sharing.

Statistics provided by Mr Babafemi show that in the period from January to July 2024, the total quality of seized drugs amounted to 881,331.49, with the drug type including: cannabis, heroin, cocaine, tramadol, methamphetamine, diazepam, codeine, rohypnol and others.

The number of persons arrested during the period under review is 10,049, of which 8,970 were men and 1,079 were women, while the number of cases charged was 2,969, with 2,835 men and 134 women. The number of convictions is estimated at 2,237, with 2,097 men and 140 women.

Collaboration is key to these efforts. At the national level, the NDLEA works closely with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and other law enforcement agencies.

A recent Memorandum of Understanding between the NDLEA and the NCS aims to improve cooperation, reduce inter-agency rivalry and strengthen security measures at Nigeria’s borders.

The Nigeria Armed Forces have also intensified its partnership with the NDLEA by incorporating drug testing into military training and promotion protocols.

At the regional level, Nigeria benefits from initiatives such as the West African Action Plan on Drugs, which emphasizes joint operations and intelligence sharing among ECOWAS member states.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has also played a crucial role in supporting Nigeria’s efforts through training programmes and workshops, including programmes aimed at dismantling secret drug laboratories in West Africa.

At the international level, Nigeria cooperates with global organizations such as Interpol and the World Customs Organization and participates in operations targeting transnational drug trafficking networks.

Bilateral agreements with countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom and India facilitate intelligence sharing and joint training programs, further strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to combat drug trafficking.

Despite these efforts, challenges remain and Mr Ahmadu emphasises the need for continued vigilance and innovation.

Improving intelligence sharing, adopting advanced technological solutions, and building the capacity of airport personnel are crucial steps. In addition, cooperation with airlines and stricter oversight are essential to close the loopholes that traffickers exploit.

Preventing drug trafficking through Nigeria’s airport corridors is a huge challenge that requires concerted efforts from national and international stakeholders.

The ongoing initiatives of the NDLEA, supported by regional and global partnerships, provide a robust framework to combat this threat.

However, sustained commitment, continued adaptation and enhanced cooperation are essential to protect Nigeria’s airports from the scourge of drug trafficking.