Photo: This Day

Vice President of Nigeria, Namadi Sambo.

THE United States government has said that it would collaborate with Nigeria in the areas of training and logistics in dislodging drug cartels operating in the African continent owing to the impact drug trafficking in Africa has on America.

This was disclosed during a visit by a delegation of staff members of the United States House Subcommittee on Africa, Health and Human Rights with the management of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Lagos.

The United States Consul General, Mr. Joseph Stafford and Congressional Staff members Gregory Simpkins and Ms. Algne Sajery were received by the Director General of the NDLEA, Mr. Femi Ajayi yesterday.

According to the visiting party, another area of cooperation being considered by the United States included legal framework and exchange of intelligence.

United States Consul General, Mr. Stafford said that America is happy with the efforts of the Agency and is prepared to assist Nigeria in her drug control efforts. "The United States government is happy with the efforts of the NDLEA and will continue to assist and work with Nigeria" Stafford stressed.

While speaking, Mr Simpkins noted that they were in the country to observe how Nigeria is embarking on its anti-narcotics campaign so as to see where the US can come in and assist.

He said, "drug trafficking is a global problem affecting countries of the world. We are here to observe your operations and see where and how we can assist. Africa is of concern to the United States because the activities of drug cartels in the region also affect us. The NDLEA is getting more efficient and result oriented but we want to sustain and seek further capacity building for operatives. Nigeria is one of critical partner because of the volume of cargoes at the sea ports".

In his welcome address earlier, Ajayi described the visit as mutually beneficial saying, "The Agency is pleased to work with the United States. We have enjoyed your support over the years and we need more assistance against drug cartels to counter new techniques of drug smuggling. The team has taken note of our challenges as well as capacity-gap. This visit will further empower us to strengthen our strategies and advance the United States drug control policies".