The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced the establishment of two new forensic laboratories and the upgrade of an existing facility to improve accessibility, accelerate timely analysis, and enhance case prosecution efficiency.
The NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, made this known in a statement released by the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, on Monday in Abuja.
Mr Marwa highlighted that the agency had been conducting forensic analysis at a single laboratory in Lagos for over 25 years, and stated that the new laboratories were essential due to a recent increase in drug seizures.
He pointed out that the two newly built laboratories in Abuja and Enugu State are strategically located and equipped with state-of-the-art facilities that meet the highest quality standards.
This includes implementing safety protocols and ensuring a safe working environment.
He added that the newly constructed laboratories would enhance the agency’s forensic analysis capabilities, as they are outfitted with additional cutting-edge analytical instruments.
“It will also help to increase our capacity to process cases efficiently and strengthen our fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking,” he said.
Mr Marwa noted that while the two new facilities are set to begin operations, the existing laboratory in Lagos has undergone comprehensive renovation and refurbishment, transforming it into a state-of-the-art facility.
“This project is made possible through the sponsorship of the US International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) and implemented by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC),” he explained.
He also mentioned that the agency, in collaboration with the Institute of Public Analysts of Nigeria (IPAN), has trained and certified 20 NDLEA forensic analysts.
This training aimed to empower them to sign off on drug analysis reports, thereby bolstering the agency’s forensic capabilities.
“This is in addition to the implementation of robust quality control measures, following the agency’s successful participation in three rounds of the UNODC International Collaborative Exercise (ICE) programme.
“This is an important part of the International Quality Assurance Programme (IQAP) to ensure quality management systems, accuracy, and reliability of results,” he emphasised.
The NDLEA chairman commended the officers, men, and women of the agency’s Directorate of Forensic and Chemical Monitoring for their collaboration in breaking the more than 25-year jinx.
He stated that the milestone achieved in forensic analysis is a result of his commitment to equipping the laboratories with state-of-the-art instruments.
He mentioned that this includes developing the expertise of the agency’s personnel to ensure accurate and reliable forensic analysis, research methodologies, and addressing the challenges posed by emerging New Psychoactive Substances (NPS).
“The newly constructed drug laboratories and renovated facilities mark a significant milestone in the Agency’s history, and we are delighted about this achievement,” he added.
Meanwhile, the US-INL has donated advanced equipment to the agency to enhance the operations of the NDLEA forensic laboratory in Lagos.
Mr Marwa stated that the handover of the spectroscopy device was conducted by the Director of INL in Nigeria, Ms Candace Spradley, who praised the collaboration between NDLEA and the INL.
“The donated equipment will enhance the agency’s capacity to detect and analyse suspicious substances,” he noted.
A team of senior officials from the agency, led by the Director of Seaport Operations, Omolade Faboyede, received the US delegation and the equipment at the NDLEA headquarters annex in Ikoyi, Lagos. Other attendees included the Director of Forensic and Chemical Monitoring, Patricia Afolabi; Deputy Director of Media and Advocacy, Rita Okpere; Head of Special Operations Unit, Grace Akinola; and Commander of the Lagos State Strategic Command, Abubakar Wali, among others.
