Chairman,House of Representatives Committee on Drugs, Narcotics, Financial Crimes and Anti-corruption, Honourable Jagaba Adams Jagaba, has given reasons 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.He made the statement when he led the committee members, who were on an oversight visit to the agency's headquarters in Lagos, at the weekend, just as he promised to also work closely with the anti-drug agency to strengthen its operations in view of the benefits of drugs control.He stated this in a press statement signed by the spokesman of the anti-drug agency, Mr Mitchel Ofoyeju, a copy of which was made available to the Nigerian Tribune, on Sunday, just as Honourable Jagaba stressed that the Act establishing the anti-drug body specified its functions and location.'The law is clear and unambiguous on the functions of the NDLEA and where they are to discharge their duty. 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. You must do your job in line with the law, because you have the technical expertise in narcotic control,' Jagaba stated.The release added that, the declaration of the legislators was hinged on section 7 subsection (b) of the NDLEA Act, which stated that the NDLEA shall 'work in collaboration with the Department of Customs and Excise in monitoring the movement of goods and persons in any customs area, customs stations, customs ports or customs airports and searching cargoes and incoming and outgoing vessels, including pleasure crafts, and fishing vessels, as well as aircrafts and vehicles and when appropriate searching crew members, passengers and their baggage.'The law makers, further disclosed that the latest arms and ammunitions shall be provided for the Agency to fortify their operations and prevent cases of death.According to Jagaba, '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 the Agency has latest arms and ammunitions, 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.'Meanwhile, concerning the adequacy of the NDLEA Act, the committee stated that it will work with the anti-drug Agency and identify areas requiring amendment.'Every law requires amendment with time for it to accommodate changes and remain relevant. Drug barons constantly invent ways of circumventing the law. Therefore as officers you must be ahead of the enemy forces. We have commenced discussions with the Agency particularly with areas of urgent concern with regards to amendment in the Act' Jagaba stated.Top on the proposed amendment bill of the anti-drug Agency is the sentences for drug offenders. Most judgement concerning drug cases had attracted public outcry, because they are considered not commensurate to the consequences of the crime. In some cases, drug convicts gets less than a year sentence and an option of fine which is paid and the drug convicts regains freedom again.Also, in his remarks at the occasion, the chairman/chief executive, Ahmadu Giade, said that the Agency had maximised resources at its disposal in the fight against drug cartels.In his words, 'this is a soothing visit to the Agency, because it will give you firsthand information on our operations. The Agency will remain focussed in its primary functions, protect the image of Nigeria and bring all barons to justice. Drug control entails sacrifice by all. On our part, no sacrifice is too much. We will continue to give our best even as we look forward to an era of improved funding.'Giade thanked the committee for the visit and expressed optimism for a new era of aggressive enforcement of drug laws in the country.Also present during the visit were the Director General of the NDLEA, Mr Femi Ajayi, directors and principal officers.
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