Marwa expressed satisfaction with the continuing collaboration between the NDLEA and the Thai embassy regarding visa clearance certificates.
The number of Nigerians imprisoned in Thailand for drug trafficking has decreased by 75 percent, according to an estimation by Channels Television based on statistics from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). A statement from NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, on Wednesday, quoted Kriwat Pharmorabuta, the Charge d’affaires/Deputy Head of Mission of the Royal Thai Embassy in Nigeria. Pharmorabuta noted that the number of Nigerians in Thai prisons has dropped to 200 from 800 over the last three years, reflecting a 75 percent reduction.
Pharmorabuta commended the NDLEA’s vigorous fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking during a courtesy visit to the NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig Gen Mohamed Marwa (Retd). He emphasized the positive impact of these efforts on Nigeria’s international image.
Pharmorabuta praised Marwa’s inspiring leadership over the past three years, stating, “Before, there were around 800 Nigerians in Thai prisons, but now the number is less than 200. This shows how difficult it has become to traffic drugs. I congratulate you and the Nigerian people. As a diplomat in Nigeria, I love Nigeria as my second home, and such good news makes me very happy.”
Regarding the collaboration between the Thai embassy and NDLEA on visa clearance, Pharmorabuta highlighted the importance of the NDLEA visa clearance certificate for issuing Thai visas to Nigerians. He noted, “The Thai government prioritizes the NDLEA certificate for visa issuance. With the correct NDLEA certificate, there is a 90-95% assurance of obtaining a Thai visa. I appreciate our strong coordination and partnership.”
Pharmorabuta also expressed his commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and supporting the NDLEA with training and scholarships for its personnel.
In response, Marwa expressed delight at the ongoing partnership between NDLEA and the Thai embassy on visa clearance certificates. He welcomed the Thai government’s readiness to support the agency with training and scholarships, noting the importance of learning from Thailand’s experience in alternative development to encourage Nigerian drug traffickers to shift to legitimate activities like rice, sugarcane, and cocoa farming.
