APM Terminals joins NDLEA to fight drug trafficking in Apapa and Tincan Island Ports, showing a united front through a public-private partnership approach

APM Terminals joins NDLEA in a landmark partnership aimed at combating drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria’s port corridors, with a particular focus on Apapa and Tincan Island Ports.

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The collaboration was announced as part of the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, marked globally on 26 June.

This year’s theme, “The Evidence Is Clear: Invest in Prevention, Break the Cycle,” stresses the importance of tackling the root causes of drug use through a multidisciplinary approach involving healthcare, education, justice, and social inclusion.

It also seeks to weaken the hold of organised crime on global drug distribution networks.

The Nigerian campaign, spearheaded by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), got a significant boost from APM Terminals, a major operator in the port logistics sector.

The move signals growing cooperation between the public and private sectors in dealing with one of Nigeria’s most persistent threats.

Speaking at the event in Apapa, NDLEA’s Apapa Strategic Commander, Buba Wakawa, said the collaboration aligns perfectly with the agency’s “War Against Drug Abuse” initiative.

He stated that over the past year, the NDLEA intercepted 14 containers of banned substances at the ports.

“These included 744,635 bottles of codeine-based syrup and over 36 million tramadol tablets, with a combined weight of 132 tonnes,” Wakawa noted.

“That’s almost 36 million tablets of tramadol that never made it into our streets. The implications for our society, if they had, would have been catastrophic.”

He praised the synergy between the NDLEA, port authorities, and other enforcement agencies, calling it a model of effective inter-agency collaboration.

We support this initiative not only as a corporate social responsibility but because we see the real-life consequences.

Representing APM Terminals, Emmanuel Uko, a Health and Safety Executive, declared the company’s unwavering support for the anti-drug campaign.

He said the impact of drugs at the ports goes beyond policy violations and affects real human lives.

“At APM Terminals, we stand firmly with NDLEA,” Uko stated.

“We support this initiative not only as a corporate social responsibility but because we see the real-life consequences when port users and truck drivers operate under the influence.”

Uko confirmed that the terminal enforces a zero-drug-and-alcohol policy and is constantly reviewing internal procedures to increase workplace safety.

He added that the company is open to even deeper collaboration with NDLEA going forward.

“This issue goes beyond compliance; it’s about saving lives,” he said.

“We will continue to review our internal processes and explore new ways to support NDLEA’s efforts.”

The event highlighted a shared determination to address drug abuse and trafficking using a preventive model that includes awareness, education, and policy enforcement.

Both the NDLEA and APM Terminals agreed that keeping the ports drug-free is critical to national security and public health.

Observers say the partnership reflects a broader trend of companies stepping up in support of national security and social development goals.

With this initiative, APM Terminals sets an example for other corporate stakeholders to join the fight against drugs and help build safer port communities.

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The APM Terminals joins NDLEA campaign is expected to continue through the year, with joint training exercises, awareness drives, and enhanced port security operations already in the pipeline.