By Roland Ekama
The Warri Area Manager, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Engr. Rufus Oladimeji, has stressed the need for synergy among agencies of government in the fight against illicit drugs usage by passengers, boat operators and reduction of mishaps on the nation’s brown waters.
Engr. Oladimeji who was accompanied by unit heads, paid a courtesy visit to the Seaport Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Warri office, Delta State.
According to him, the goal was to collaborate and combat boat mishaps caused by illicit drug use among waterways operators
He said NIWA and NDLEA will sensitize operators and users against drug abuse, thus to promote safety protocols, noting that Intelligence gathering and joint patrols will be strengthened and harmonized by both sister agencies of the federal government.
DAILYFOCUS NIGERIA reports on Wednesday that NDLEA requested collaboration with NIWA police for intelligence gathering and joint patrols to enforce safety measures.
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During the visit, the Area Manager, emphasized that the partnership aims to also ensure effective use of life jackets and adherence to other safety protocols.
On her part , the Seaport Commander, Mrs. Okoebor Ann Nnenna, pledged NDLEA’s support in fighting drug abuse among waterways operators and promoting safety protocols.
Harping on partnership against drug abuse, she noted that :NDLEA will join forces with NIWA to combat illicit drug use among waterways operators.
Okoebor pointed out that NDLEA will sensitize waterways operators against drug abuse and promote safety protocols, reiterating that
Intelligence gathering and joint patrols will play crucial to reducing boat mishaps and drug abuse.
“NDLEA requested collaboration with NIWA police for intelligence gathering and joint patrols to enforce safety measures,” she stressed .
Highpoints of the visit focused on with question-and-answer session and a mini-lecture on drug abuse, demonstrating the commitment of both organizations to addressing this critical issue.