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Nigeria Leading In Cocaine Trafficking Routes Globally — Report

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Nigeria Leading In Cocaine Trafficking Routes Globally — Report

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), yesterday released a global report on Cocaine 2023 said that the Nigerian market is identified as the primary hub for cocaine trafficking in Africa.

The report highlights a significant increase in the supply and demand of cocaine in the region.

The UN agency further revealed that Nigerian traffickers frequently engage in joint operations with their compatriots in other nations, particularly with members of “cult groups” in European destinations and those operating in Brazil.

The report reads in part: “Based on aggregate reporting to UNODC, by Nigeria and other countries, on the main cocaine trafficking routes during 2018-2021, trafficking of cocaine was reported from Nigeria to 20 countries or territories, including countries within the subregion (Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Ghana, Senegal, Liberia), transit countries in Africa (Algeria, Ethiopia, Morocco), and countries and territories in the Asia-Pacific region (Australia, China, Hong Kong, China, India, Malaysia, Sri Lanka), in the Near and Middle East/ South-West Asia (Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates) and in Europe (Turkiye, United Kingdom).

“Cocaine arrives in Nigeria via a variety of channels including bulk carrier vessels arriving at seaports such as Apapa, Tincan Island, and Onne: passenger flights into airports such as those of Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, and Kano: across land borders at various locations, including Seme (on the border with Benin) and llela (on the border with Niger); and via parcels delivered by courier companies or postal services.

“The most prominent departure country for cocaine reaching Nigeria is Brazil. Thus, despite the established and
well-connected presence of Nigerian traffickers within an international network of actors and counterparts trafficking cocaine (and other drugs), notably with regard to trafficking by air, in view of the available seizure data, it is plausible that the volume of cocaine transiting Nigerian territory is a relatively modest share of the quantities reaching West and Central Africa.

It should, however, be borne in mind that Nigerian traffickers are also active in neighbouring countries as well as North Africa.”

Morocco is second to Nigeria in the African drug trafficking market.

Nonetheless, Ghada Waly, the executive director of UNODC, cautioned that the cocaine market in Africa has the potential to grow and pose a dangerous threat. She urged governments to carefully scrutinize the report’s results and formulate solutions to address the risks.

Additionally, Section 19 of the NDLEA Act prescribes punishment ranging from 15 to 25 years’ imprisonment for culprit of drug trafficking.

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Dangote Refinery Cuts Petrol Price To ₦970 per Litre For Marketers

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The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a reduction in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, to ₦970 per litre for oil marketers.

This new price, effective immediately, marks a ₦20 decrease from the refinery’s previous ex-depot price of ₦990 per litre, which was set earlier this month.

In a statement released on Sunday, Anthony Chiejina, the refinery’s Chief Branding and Communications Officer, explained that the price reduction is a way for the company to express its appreciation to Nigerians for their unwavering support in making the refinery a reality.

READ MORE: NDLEA Nabs Businessman For Using Ingestion To Smuggle Cocaine

“This decision is our way of thanking Nigerians for their unwavering support in making the refinery a dream come true,” Chiejina said.

The statement also highlighted the refinery’s gratitude towards the Nigerian government, acknowledging the role of government measures in supporting domestic businesses.

“In addition, this is to thank the government for their support, as this will complement the measures put in place to encourage domestic enterprise for our collective well-being,” the statement read.

Despite the price cut, the refinery reassured consumers that there would be no compromise on the quality of its products. “While the refinery would not compromise on the quality of its petroleum products, we assure you of best quality products that are environmentally friendly and sustainable,” the statement added.

The company also committed to ramping up production to meet domestic fuel consumption and alleviate concerns over potential supply shortages.

“We are determined to keep ramping up production to meet and surpass our domestic fuel consumption; thus, dispelling any fear of a shortfall in supply,” the statement concluded.

The price reduction is expected to save marketers approximately ₦20 per litre on purchases from the refinery’s Lekki-based plant.

 

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I Am Just A Content Creator – Simon Ekpa Denies Biafran Leadership Role

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Simon Ekpa, a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent and a controversial figure in the Biafran separatist movement, has dismissed his self-styled title of “Prime Minister of Biafra” as inconsequential.

Speaking during legal proceedings at the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland, Ekpa stated, “I am just a content creator; the issue of Prime Minister of Biafra is not serious.”

READ ALSO: National Assembly In Top Gear For Tinubu’s 2025 Budget Presentation

Ekpa’s statement comes in the wake of his arrest by Finnish authorities on charges related to incitement of terrorism.

The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has accused Ekpa of public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent.

The arrest stems from an incident in Lahti on August 23, 2021, and officials are also seeking the detention of four other suspects linked to the case.

“The detention demands are related to a preliminary investigation in which a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, born in the 1980s, is suspected of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent,” the NBI said in a statement.

Ekpa, who has used his social media platforms to advocate for Biafran independence, has been a divisive figure in Nigeria’s southeast region.

His rhetoric and actions, including calls for economic shutdowns through “sit-at-home” orders, have been linked to widespread unrest and disruptions in the region.

 

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National Assembly In Top Gear For Tinubu’s 2025 Budget Presentation

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The National Assembly management team, led by Clerk Sani Magaji Tambawal, has ramped up efforts to ensure a seamless presentation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The event, scheduled for a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives, is regarded as a significant moment in Nigeria’s legislative calendar.

Preparations include a thorough inspection of the assembly chambers to ensure all facilities are fully functional.

READ MORE: PDP Governors Probe Ondo Polls, Criticizes Edo Result

Deputy Clerk Kamoru Ogunlana, who is overseeing the technical arrangements, confirmed that key systems, including microphones, sound equipment, and other audio-visual tools, have been tested to ensure smooth communication during the session.

“We are working tirelessly to ensure that the National Assembly is fully prepared to receive Mr. President and provide a conducive environment for this significant moment in our democratic process,” Ogunlana stated.

Seating arrangements are also being finalized to accommodate lawmakers, government officials, and other dignitaries expected at the session.

Security measures are being reviewed in collaboration with relevant agencies to ensure the safety of all attendees. Meanwhile, press accreditation is being managed to facilitate effective media coverage.

The 2025 budget presentation is expected to highlight the government’s economic priorities while reinforcing the partnership between the executive and legislative arms of government.

As the session approaches, the National Assembly has expressed its commitment to upholding Nigeria’s democratic values and providing a platform for transparent governance.

 

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