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By : Bertram Nwannekanma
Date: 13 May 2025
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[FILES] Chairman of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mohammed Buba Marwa
After conducting forensic analysis in a single laboratory in Lagos for over 25 years, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has established two new laboratories and upgraded the existing one to improve accessibility, expedite timely analysis, and prosecute cases more efficiently, following a surge in drug seizures in recent months.
The two additional laboratories in Abuja and Enugu are strategically positioned and equipped with state-of-the-art facilities designed to meet the highest standards of quality and safety protocols, ensuring a safe working environment.
Expressing enthusiasm about the development, the agency’s Chairman/Chief Executive, Brig Gen Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd), said: “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.”
He noted that while the two new facilities are set to commence operations, the existing laboratory in Lagos has undergone comprehensive renovation and refurbishment, transforming it into a state-of-the-art facility.
“This project was made possible through the sponsorship of the US International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) and was implemented by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC),” he stated.
In addition to equipping the laboratories with advanced analytical instruments, the agency, in collaboration with the Institute of Public Analysts of Nigeria (IPAN), has trained and certified 20 NDLEA forensic analysts. This initiative empowers them to certify drug analysis reports, enhancing the agency’s forensic capabilities.
Furthermore, the NDLEA has implemented quality control measures following its successful participation in three rounds of the UNODC International Collaborative Exercise (ICE) programme. This is a critical part of the International Quality Assurance Programme (IQAP), which ensures the accuracy, reliability, and quality management of forensic results.
Commending the officers, men, and women of the agency’s Directorate of Forensic and Chemical Monitoring for their efforts, Marwa stated that breaking the 25-year stagnation in forensic analysis was a testament to his commitment to equipping the laboratories with cutting-edge instruments and developing the expertise of the agency’s personnel. He emphasised the importance of accurate and reliable forensic analysis in tackling emerging New Psychoactive Substances (NPS).
Meanwhile, the US-INL has donated advanced equipment to enhance the operations of the NDLEA forensic lab in Lagos. The equipment was handed over by the Director of INL in Nigeria, Ms Candace Spradley, who praised the collaboration between the NDLEA and the INL.
Spradley stated that the donated equipment would boost the agency’s capacity to detect and analyse suspicious substances. A team led by the Director of Seaport Operations, DCGN Omolade Faboyede, received the US delegation and the equipment at the NDLEA headquarters annexe in Ikoyi, Lagos.
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Rutam House, Plat 103/109, Apapa-Oshodi Express Way, Isolo, P.M.B 1217 Oshodi, Lagos, Nigeria.
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