FG, India partner to halt codeine syrup production

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has said that Nigeria recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with India to prevent the production of codeine-based syrups for importation into Nigeria.

This is even as the agency reiterated that it is strengthening actions and cooperation in curtailing the availability, accessibility, and affordability of drugs.

The Apapa Strategic Commander of the NDLEA, Buba Wakawa, disclosed this on Monday while addressing journalists at the command as part of activities to mark the commemoration of the 2025 International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking.

He said that the event, which has been billed to take place on Thursday, has been themed, ‘The evidence is clear: Invest in prevention, break the cycle’.

Speaking on the coming event, Wakawa explained that June 26th of every year has been designated by the United Nations as a day to create awareness of the dangers of drug abuse and illicit trafficking and adopt localized actions by member countries aimed to sensitize their immediate communities to achieve a world free of drug use and trafficking.

Wakawa stated that if the country must guarantee sound health and security in our communities, drugs have to be curtailed.

“For example, Nigeria has signed an MOU with India to block the manufacturing of cordine-based syrups for any Nigerian importer. So those are the measures that we took at the international level to curtail the influx of these substances into the country,” he said.

Wakawa maintained that NDLEA shares information and intelligence with sister agencies to curtail the importation of these drugs into the country.

According to him, the theme for the year is apt, “It is also consistent with our War Against Drug Abuse, a novel idea and brainchild of our visionary leader, the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Buba Mohammed Marwa, (Rtd).”

Wakawa disclosed that the 2018 United Nations Drugs Survey estimated 14.3 million Nigerians between the ages of 15-64 years had used drugs in the preceding years, adding that there is no clearer evidence of the drug epidemic than this.

He mentioned that the agency shares information and intelligence to curtail the importation of these illicit drugs into the country.

“It is very worrisome, and it is a challenge to all of us. NDLEA cannot do it alone, that is why we carry along stakeholders to sensitise the public on the dangers and effects of this so that we stem it down,” he said.

He appreciated both local and foreign stakeholders in the sector for their contributions to the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.