Stakeholders Warn Of Drug Trade Risks in Nigeria-Colombia Air Pact

Stakeholders in the nation’s aviation industry have expressed divergent views about the federal government’s plan to replicate the bilateral agreements recently signed with Brazil on aviation and consular matters with Colombia.

LEADERSHIP reports that President Tinubu, on Monday, assured the vice president of Colombia, Francia Márquez, that Nigeria would expedite the implementation of all bilateral agreements concluded under the supervision of Vice President Kashim Shettima.

“Specifically, the aviation agreement we signed with Brazil can be easily replicated with Colombia, and our diplomatic relations can be strengthened. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will fast-track this process,” the president stated.

But, reacting to the government’s planned agreement, aviation experts warned of consequences if the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) is eventually signed.

They warned that the massive, complex and suffocating illegal drug trade controlled by top Barons may be ready to establish a flourishing illicit drug hub in West Africa.

Speaking to LEADERSHIP, Capt Muhammed Gbadamasi, said the local airlines and airport officials are expected to be more vigilant and stricter on baggage searches whenever flights between the two countries start.

Badamasi added that BASAs were supposed to serve the two countries involved with equal benefits, but feared that Nigeria might not have airlines to reciprocate the agreement on the route. He added that providing verifiable information on the travelling public between the two routes would be vital for the sustenance of any Nigerian airline.

“The issue of drug trafficking can be controlled. Even the countries with the death penalty are unable to guarantee free drug trafficking in their airports.

“The airlines and airport officials are expected to be more vigilant and stricter on baggage searches,” he stated.

Also speaking, an aviation analyst who craved anonymity warned that direct air traffic to and from Colombia may prompt massive illegal drug trade investment to establish a hub in West Africa.

Colombia is known for its drug lords, drug wars and drug cartels, and they have always seen West Africa as a desirable place to establish a flourishing illegal drug hub. Direct air traffic to and from Colombia meets their expectations and will prompt massive illicit trade drug investment to develop a hub in West Africa.

“Do we have the equipment, infrastructure, trained manpower, and trained dogs to ensure adequate prevention measures are in place before air traffic between the two nations is flagged off?” he asked rhetorically.

He continued, “I remember my travels through Amsterdam some years past and the delays we faced through searches and interrogation just because the aircraft was arriving from Nigeria. They had the trained manpower, dogs, and equipment to carry this out, but are we adequately prepared?”

“I fully support and applaud the President‘s good intentions, but we all must contribute to its success,” he concluded.