By Nkechi Eze
In a historic development aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s drug control infrastructure, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has inaugurated two new state-of-the-art forensic laboratories in Abuja and Enugu, marking the first time in over 25 years that the Agency will operate outside a single facility in Lagos. In an official signed statement, Director, Media and Advocacy Femi BabaFemi disclosed that this milestone comes alongside a comprehensive upgrade of the Lagos lab and the training of 20 newly certified forensic analysts.
According to Femi, the expansion, facilitated through support from the United States’ International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) and implemented by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), is expected to significantly improve the Agency’s forensic capacity, enhance timely analysis of drug exhibits, and ensure more efficient prosecution of drug-related offences.
Speaking at the launch, the Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retired), described the development as “a significant milestone in the Agency’s history,” emphasizing its importance in the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
“The newly constructed laboratories will enable us to enhance our forensic analysis capabilities, increase our capacity to process cases efficiently, and strengthen our fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking,” Marwa said.
He added that the renovation of the Lagos laboratory has transformed the facility into a modern centre for forensic drug analysis, equipped with advanced instruments and compliant with international quality and safety standards. He credited the achievement to strategic partnerships and committed personnel.
In line with the expansion, 20 NDLEA forensic analysts have been trained and certified in collaboration with the Institute of Public Analysts of Nigeria (IPAN), empowering them to independently verify and sign off on drug analysis reports. This capacity-building initiative also complements the Agency’s participation in three rounds of the UNODC International Collaborative Exercise (ICE), a key component of the International Quality Assurance Programme (IQAP).
Marwa commended the Directorate of Forensic and Chemical Monitoring for its commitment and professionalism, noting that the success is part of his broader vision to develop both infrastructure and human capacity to counter the challenges posed by New Psychoactive Substances (NPS).
Meanwhile, the US-INL has donated an advanced spectroscopy device to further bolster operations at the Lagos forensic lab. The equipment was formally handed over by Ms. Candace Spradley, Director of INL in Nigeria, during a brief ceremony at the NDLEA’s Ikoyi annex in Lagos.
Ms. Spradley lauded the ongoing collaboration between the Agency and the INL, stating that the donated equipment will significantly enhance NDLEA’s capacity to detect and analyse suspicious substances.
Receiving the delegation and equipment on behalf of the Agency was DCGN Omolade Faboyede, Director of Seaport Operations, alongside key directors and commanders, including ACGN Patricia Afolabi, Director of Forensic and Chemical Monitoring; ACGN Rita Geh Okpere, Deputy Director of Media and Advocacy; ACGN Akinola Idowu Grace, Head of Special Operations Unit; and CN Abubakar Liman Wali, Commander of the Lagos State Strategic Command.
