The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has commissioned two new state-of-the-art forensic laboratories in Abuja and Enugu, marking the end of a 25-year reliance on a single laboratory in Lagos.
This milestone is aimed at boosting drug case prosecution and advancing the agency’s forensic capacity amidst a surge in drug seizures nationwide.
The expansion includes the full renovation and upgrade of the existing Lagos laboratory, now equipped with cutting-edge forensic technology.
The new facilities, located in Abuja and Enugu are designed to meet international standards of quality, safety, and efficiency.
NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Marwa (rtd) described the development as a “significant milestone in the agency’s history,” noting that the initiative will enhance forensic analysis, expedite case processing, and improve the fight against substance abuse and illicit trafficking.
“This achievement is the result of strategic partnerships and a clear commitment to reform,” Marwa stated. “The support from the US International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, and the implementation efforts of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) have been instrumental.”
In a move to complement the infrastructure upgrade, the NDLEA, in partnership with the Institute of Public Analysts of Nigeria (IPAN), has successfully trained and certified 20 forensic analysts.
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These experts are now qualified to sign off on official drug analysis reports, enhancing the agency’s credibility and operational capacity.
The development comes on the heels of NDLEA’s successful participation in the UNODC international collaborative exercise programme, a key part of the international quality assurance programme, which ensures the accuracy and reliability of forensic results.
Adding to the momentum, the US donated a new high-performance spectroscopy device to the Lagos laboratory.
At a handover ceremony led by INL Director in Nigeria, Ms. Candace Spradley, the US delegation commended the growing cooperation between both parties.
“This equipment will significantly strengthen NDLEA’s ability to detect and analyze suspicious substances,” Spradley affirmed.