NDLEA Must Remain At Sea Ports —Lawmaker

Mr Jagaba Adams Jagaba, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Drugs, Narcotics, Financial Crimes and Anti-corruption, has said that the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) would continue to function at the nation’s sea ports.

This was contained in a statement signed by the spokesman of the agency, Mr Mitchel Ofoyeju and given to newsmen on Sunday in Lagos.

The statement quoted Jagaba as saying that the Act establishing the NDLEA made it mandatory for the body to operate at the sea ports.

Ofoyeju said the committee chairman and members of the committee visited the agency’s headquarters in Lagos as part of the oversight functions of the committee.

“The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) will continue to work at the nation’s seaports contrary to reports that the agency should leave the seaports.

“The law is clear and unambiguous on the functions of the NDLEA and where they are to discharge their duties.

“The law says the NDLEA should work at the airports, seaports, land borders and all customs points.

“That Act has not changed and you are to remain at the ports and prevent drugs from coming into the country through the seaports,” Jagaba said.

The statement said that Jagaba directed the agency to work in collaboration with the Department of Customs and Excise in monitoring the movement of goods and persons in any customs area.

“You are to search cargoes and incoming and outgoing vessels, including pleasure crafts and fishing vessels as well as aircraft and vehicles and when appropriate search crew members, passengers and their baggage,“ he said.

The lawmakers promised the agency that latest arms and ammunition would be provided for it its men to fortify the operations of the agency.

“I was pained when I saw the agency’s hall of fame. I learnt some of the incidents would have been prevented if they were better equipped.

“This committee will ensure that the agency has latest arms and ammunition, bullet proof jackets and other protective gadgets because the job is very risky.

“We cannot afford to be making spouses of officers widows and widowers. If you are protecting the country, you must equally be protected,” Jagaba said.