The Thai government has praised Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for its robust efforts against drug abuse and trafficking, significantly enhancing Nigeria’s global reputation.
During a visit to NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) in Abuja, Mr. Kriwat Pharmorabuta, Charge d’Affaires/Deputy Head of Mission of the Royal Thai Embassy, acknowledged the agency’s impact. “Previously, there were around 800 Nigerians in Thai prisons. This number has dropped to less than 200. This reflects the difficulty for drug traffickers now,” said Pharmorabuta, commending Marwa’s leadership over the past three years.
The Thai envoy emphasized the critical role of NDLEA’s visa clearance in the issuance of Thai visas to Nigerians. “The NDLEA certificate is a primary requirement for Thai visas, providing 90-95% assurance of visa issuance,” Pharmorabuta noted.
Marwa expressed his appreciation for the ongoing collaboration and highlighted the potential for enhanced training and scholarships for NDLEA personnel. He also mentioned the establishment of an Alternative Development Unit aimed at redirecting cannabis growers towards legitimate agriculture, citing Thailand’s expertise as a valuable resource.
The visit concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation in drug law enforcement and personnel training.
