The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has commissioned two state-of-the-art forensic laboratories in Abuja and Enugu while upgrading its sole existing facility in Lagos, marking a pivotal shift in Nigeria’s capacity to combat drug trafficking and substance abuse. The expansion, announced Monday, follows a surge in narcotics seizures and aims to expedite forensic analysis, enhance prosecution efficiency, and address evolving challenges like New Psychoactive Substances (NPS).
NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd) described the facilities as “transformative,” equipped with advanced instruments to meet global safety and quality standards. “These labs will bolster our forensic capabilities, streamline case processing, and strengthen our fight against illicit drugs,” he stated, crediting the U.S. International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) for funding and technical support.
The Lagos laboratory, operational for over 25 years, underwent comprehensive modernization, while the new Abuja and Enugu hubs are strategically positioned to serve northern and southeastern regions. The agency also trained and certified 20 forensic analysts in collaboration with the Institute of Public Analysts of Nigeria (IPAN), empowering them to independently validate drug reports—a first in NDLEA’s history.
Further bolstering its capabilities, the NDLEA received a cutting-edge spectroscopy device donated by the U.S.-INL, handed over by Director Candace Spradley during a ceremony at the agency’s Lagos annex. “This equipment will enhance detection and analysis of suspicious substances,” Spradley noted, lauding the bilateral partnership.
Marwa emphasized the labs’ role in Nigeria’s participation in the UNODC’s International Collaborative Exercise (ICE), ensuring compliance with global quality assurance protocols. The upgrades follow a 30% spike in drug seizures over the past year, driven by synthetic opioids and cannabis trafficked through evolving networks.
The NDLEA’s Directorate of Forensic and Chemical Monitoring, led by ACGN Patricia Afolabi, will oversee operations, supported by a team including Director of Seaport Operations DCGN Omolade Faboyede.
