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By Lizzy Chirkpi
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has inaugurated two new state-of-the-art forensic laboratories in Abuja and Enugu to enhance its fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse.
This strategic expansion comes alongside a comprehensive upgrade of the agency’s existing laboratory in Lagos, which has served as its sole forensic analysis center for over 25 years.
The NDLEA’s Chief Executive, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd) described the development as “a significant milestone in the agency’s history.”
He emphasized that the new and improved facilities will substantially boost the agency’s capacity to analyze the increasing volume of drug seizures, ensure quicker access to crucial lab results, and ultimately strengthen the prosecution of drug-related offenses across the country.
“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 stated.
This critical project was made possible through the generous sponsorship of the United States International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (US-INL) and implemented by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
While the newly established laboratories in Abuja and Enugu are poised to commence operations, the Lagos facility has undergone a complete renovation and refurbishment, transforming it into a modern, cutting-edge center for forensic analysis.
Beyond the physical infrastructure expansion, the NDLEA has also invested in equipping all three laboratories with advanced analytical instruments and implementing stringent quality control measures to ensure the reliability and accuracy of their findings.
Furthermore, the agency has prioritised the professional development of its forensic personnel. Twenty NDLEA forensic analysts have undergone rigorous training and have been certified in collaboration with the Institute of Public Analysts of Nigeria (IPAN), granting them the authority to officially sign off on drug analysis reports.
The NDLEA’s commitment to maintaining global standards in forensic science was further underscored by its successful participation in the UNODC International Collaborative Exercise, demonstrating its dedication to quality assurance and reliability.
In a further demonstration of support, the US-INL has also donated a new, sophisticated spectroscopy device to the upgraded Lagos laboratory. The equipment was formally handed over by the INL Director in Nigeria, Ms. Candace Spradley, who commended the strong partnership between the US-INL and the NDLEA.
“The donated equipment will significantly enhance the agency’s capacity to detect and analyze suspicious substances,” Ms. Spradley noted.
A delegation of high-ranking NDLEA officials, led by the Director of Seaport Operations, DCGN Omolade Faboyede, received the US team and the donated equipment at the Lagos Headquarters Annexe in Ikoyi. Other senior officials present included the Director of Forensic and Chemical Monitoring, ACGN Patricia Afolabi; Deputy Director of Media and Advocacy, ACGN Rita Geh Okpere; Head of Special Operations Unit, ACGN Akinola Idowu Grace; and Lagos State Commander, CN Abubakar Liman Wali.
Marwa lauded the Directorate of Forensic and Chemical Monitoring for their unwavering commitment and emphasized that the agency’s enhanced forensic capabilities reflect his administration’s determination to embrace modern technology and research-driven strategies in the ongoing battle against drug crimes, particularly the growing threat of New Psychoactive Substances.
This significant investment in forensic science marks a new chapter in Nigeria’s efforts to combat drug trafficking and protect its citizens from the harmful effects of substance abuse.