The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has decried the infiltration of Nigeria’s courier and delivery services by drug traffickers, saying it reflects the weakness of the country’s institutions and relevant monitoring systems.

In a statement on X, Mr Obi said the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency has been turned into a joke over its inability to stop the inflow of illicit drugs into the country, citing corruption and poor regulation.

“The Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has repeatedly raised concern about this trend, yet it continues to grow, apparently aided by corruption and poor regulation that have turned the enforcement body into a joke.

“The recent revelation that drug traffickers have infiltrated Nigeria’s courier and delivery services sector is worrisome and another sad reminder of how deep our national decay has become,” the politician said.

“When criminal networks can now use logistics companies to distribute narcotics across the country, it shows how weak our institutions and relevant monitoring systems are.”

The politician noted that “drug trafficking remains a big danger to society and a serious international offence that cannot be overlooked” as “it destroys families, fuels crime, and corrodes the conscience of a nation.”

Mr Obi advocated governance rooted in character, truth, and responsibility to address the menace.

“Nigeria, therefore, needs stronger oversight and must rise above this dangerous decline and rebuild a system where laws are sacred, leaders are accountable, and no one is above justice. Nigeria will only heal when character, truth, and responsibility return to governance,” the Labour Party chieftain advised.

Mr Obi’s statement came days after NDLEA operatives intercepted consignments of illicit drugs concealed in frozen snails, electrical bulbs, and female clothing, destined for the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Earlier, the agency said it arrested Olawale Oyebola Hakeemot, a 48-year-old UK-based public health assistant, at Terminal 2 of the Lagos airport after 2,300 tramadol 225mg tablets were found concealed in frozen snails in her luggage bound for Manchester.