Nigeria’s largest container terminal, APM Terminals Apapa, is currently seeking better ties with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to curb the importation of illicit drugs through the nation’s seaports.
The terminal, which is the busiest in the country, has handled over 8.1 Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) in the last 15 years, the highest in the history of the nation’s seaport system.
Recalled that APMT also partnered with NDLEA to mark the 2023 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, otherwise known as World Drug Day, is marked on 26 June every year to strengthen action and cooperation in achieving a world free of drug abuse.
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The theme for this year was ‘People First: Stop Stigma And Discrimination, Strengthen Prevention’.
Speaking at an awareness campaign on the dangers of drug abuse and importation, held in Apapa, the Health and Safety Manager at APM Terminals Apapa, Felix Ugwuagbo, said the company is partnering with NDLEA as part of its contribution to creating awareness of the negative impact of stigma and discrimination on people who use drugs and their families.
He said with counseling, encouragement and support from family members and the society, drug users can overcome their addiction and lead meaningful lives.
Also speaking at the event, NDLEA Commander, Apapa Special Area Command, Udotong Noah Essien, said the agency offers education and rehabilitation to drug users.
“We do not just castigate people who abuse drugs but we do our work creatively with distinction and honour. Our role is to make a positive impact in our towns, cities and states so that our nation will be a better place to live and work in. To this effect, we have declared war against drug abuse by bringing you all to join in the revolution,” he said.
The NDLEA Assistant Command General of Narcotics, Florence Ezeonye, said stigma and discrimination are impediments to the campaign against drug abuse.
