Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Drugs, Narcotics, Financial Crimes and Anti-corruption, Mr Jagaba Adams Jagaba, has said that the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) will 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 made available to journalists yesterday 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 that the committee’s chairman and members visited the agency’s headquarters in Lagos as part of the oversight functions of the committee.
The statement reads in part, “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.’’
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 ammunitions would be provided for its men to fortify the operations of the agency.