Egyptian-Nigerian cooperation to combat drugs: a new step between the two sides
Written by: Ayman Ragab
Ambassador Mohamed Fouad, Egypt’s ambassador to Nigeria, met with Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa, head of the Nigerian Drug Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), to discuss ways to enhance bilateral cooperation with Nigeria in the field of drug control.
The meeting stems from the understanding that the phenomenon of drug trafficking represents a cross-border challenge closely linked to organized crime networks, and that it can only be addressed through strengthening continental and international cooperation, especially with sister African countries, foremost among them Nigeria, which represents a pivotal partner in this important field.
Pride in the existing cooperation with Egypt
For his part, the head of the agency expressed his pride in the existing cooperation with Egypt, appreciating the training programs provided by the relevant Egyptian authorities to build the capacities of Nigerian personnel working in the field of drug control, which allows the Nigerian side to benefit from the distinguished Egyptian expertise in this field.
In another context, the Director General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), Professor Usman Aliyu, said that the Nigerian government is working to expand funding, local drug production and research to improve cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment while easing the financial burden on patients.
Professor Aliu stated at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Africa 2026 conference held on Saturday in Abuja that the Nigerian government has taken measures to make cancer care more accessible, although treatment remains out of reach for many Nigerians.
He said the National Health Insurance Fund’s Disaster Health Fund supports cancer prevention, diagnosis, chemotherapy and radiotherapy for eligible patients.
