The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kano State Command has reaffirmed commitment to strengthening inter-agency collaboration with National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to combat illicit drugs.

The Commander, Kano Strategic Command, Dahiru Yahaya-Lawal, said this during a familiarisation visit to the NAFDAC State Coordinator, Mr Kasim Ibrahim, in Kano.

The Public Relations Officer of NDLEA, ASN Sadiq Muhhamads-Maigarari, said this in a statement issued on Saturday in Kano.

According to the statement, the visit underscored the shared resolve of both agencies to safeguard citizens of Kano from the dangers posed by illicit drugs and substandard medicines.

It highlighted key initiatives being implemented by the NDLEA Chairman, Retired Brig.-Gen. Buba-Marwa, including the agency’s Drug Integrity Testing Programme and the Alternative Development Initiative (ADI).

It explained that the ADI was designed to reduce substance abuse through the provision of sustainable livelihood opportunities, while promoting preventive strategies against drug dependence.

The statement emphasised the command’s readiness to implement the initiatives in close coordination with NAFDAC, in line with the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two agencies to enhance operational synergy.

In his remarks, the NAFDAC Coordinator in Kano, Ibrahim, commended the NDLEA for the proactive engagement and reaffirmed the agency’s willingness to support joint operations.

He said NAFDAC remained committed to collaborative efforts aimed at curbing the production, distribution and consumption of illicit substances, as well as substandard and falsified medicines across the state.

9news Nigeria reports that the engagement formed part of ongoing inter-agency efforts to strengthen enforcement, regulatory oversight, community sensitisation and development programmes towards safeguarding public health in Kano.