— US-INL Donates Advanced Equipment to Lagos Lab
After over 25 years of operating a single forensic laboratory in Lagos, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has inaugurated two new forensic laboratories in Abuja and Enugu. The existing Lagos lab has also been upgraded to a state-of-the-art facility, marking a significant milestone in the agency’s history.
The development comes as the agency intensifies its fight against drug trafficking and abuse following a surge in drug seizures in recent months.
“The two additional laboratories built in Abuja and Enugu are strategically located and equipped with state-of-the-art facilities designed to meet the highest standards of quality and safety protocols, as well as ensuring a safe working environment,” the agency stated.
Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), expressed excitement over the achievement, describing it as a major boost for the agency’s forensic capabilities.
“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 said.
He added that the existing Lagos facility underwent comprehensive renovation and refurbishment, transforming it into a modernized laboratory equipped with cutting-edge technology.
The project was sponsored by the US International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) and implemented by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
In collaboration with the Institute of Public Analysts of Nigeria (IPAN), the agency trained and certified 20 NDLEA forensic analysts, empowering them to sign off on drug analysis reports and enhance forensic reliability.
“This is in addition to implementing robust quality control measures following our successful participation in three rounds of the UNODC International Collaborative Exercise (ICE) programme,” Marwa noted.
Marwa commended the officers and personnel of the Directorate of Forensic and Chemical Monitoring for their dedication in breaking the 25-year jinx. He stressed that the achievement is a testament to his commitment to equipping the labs with state-of-the-art instruments and developing expertise to tackle 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.
US-INL Donates Advanced Equipment to Lagos Lab
Meanwhile, the US-INL donated advanced forensic equipment to enhance the operations of the NDLEA laboratory in Lagos.
The spectroscopy device was handed over by the Director of INL in Nigeria, Ms. Candace Spradley, who praised the ongoing collaboration between NDLEA and INL.
“The donated equipment will enhance the Agency’s capacity to detect and analyze suspicious substances,” Spradley stated.
The handover event at the Ikoyi Lagos Headquarters Annex of NDLEA was attended by top officials, including:
DCGN Omolade Faboyede, Director, Seaport Operations
ACGN Patricia Afolabi, Director, Forensic and Chemical Monitoring
ACGN Rita Geh Okpere, Deputy Director, Media and Advocacy
ACGN Akinola Idowu Grace, Head, Special Operations Unit
CN Abubakar Liman Wali, Commander, Lagos State Strategic Command
