Thailand has commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), for mounting a vigorous fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria, a development it said has impacted positively on the image of the country in the international community.
The commendation was given by the Charge d’affaires/Deputy Head of Mission of the Royal Thai Embassy in Nigeria, Mr. Kriwat Pharmorabuta, who was accompanied by a Counsellor, Mr Perapol Berananda, on a courtesy visit to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa, retd.
While praising the inspiring leadership Marwa has provided the NDLEA in the last three years, the Thai envoy said: “I have good news because before now, there were around 800 prisoners from Nigeria in Thai prisons but right now, the number has decreased greatly, it is less than 200.
“That means it’s very difficult now for drug traffickers to get out of Nigeria with drugs. So, I congratulate you and the Nigerian people. I feel pleased because I’m a diplomat in Nigeria and so I love not only my country, I love also Nigeria because Nigeria is my second home. So, when I receive good news like this, I feel very happy”.
Speaking on the ongoing collaboration between the Thai embassy and NDLEA on visa clearance, Pharmorabuta said his government sought to strengthen the partnership since the embassy relied more on NDLEA visa clearance to issue Thai visa to any Nigerian travelling to Thailand from anywhere in the world.
He said this was because of the thorough job usually done by the NDLEA on the important travel documents.
“I would like to thank your Excellency and to inform you that the government of Thailand gives more importance to the certificate of NDLEA of Nigeria before issuing visas”.
