NDLEA Opens Two New Forensic Labs

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has achieved a historic milestone with the establishment of two additional state-of-the-art laboratories in Abuja and Enugu, along with a comprehensive upgrade of the Lagos facility. This development follows the operation of a single forensic laboratory in Lagos for over 25 years.

The monumental expansion is meant to boost the agency’s forensic analysis capabilities following a surge in drug seizures, enhance access to timely lab results, and strengthen the prosecution of drug-related offences.

A statement on Monday by the agency’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi, said the NDLEA Chief Executive, Mohamed Marwa, described the expansion as ‘a significant milestone in the agency’s history.

The statement said that the new labs will enable more efficient case processing and fortify Nigeria’s fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.

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.

”This project was made possible through the sponsorship of the US International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs and implemented by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,” Marwa said.

He observed that while the two new facilities were set to commence operations, the existing one in Lagos has undergone a comprehensive renovation and refurbishment, transforming it into a state-of-the-art facility.

He added that alongside the physical expansion, the agency has equipped the labs with cutting-edge analytical instruments and implemented robust quality  control measures.

Babafemi said twenty NDLEA forensic analysts have also been trained and certified in collaboration with the Institute of Public Analysts of Nigeria, giving them the authority to sign off on drug analysis reports.

The agency’s successful participation in the UNODC International Collaborative Exercise further underscores its commitment to global standards of quality assurance and reliability in forensic science.

In a show of support, Babafemi said US-INL has also donated a new spectroscopy device to the Lagos lab.

He said the equipment was handed over by the INL Director in Nigeria, Ms. Candace Spradley, who praised the strong collaboration between the two institutions.

“The donated equipment will significantly enhance the agency’s capacity to detect and analyse suspicious substances,” Spradley said.

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