After more than 25 years of using only one forensic laboratory in Lagos, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has expanded its operations with two new laboratories built in Abuja and Enugu.
In addition to this expansion, the agency has also improved the existing Lagos facility to make drug testing more accessible, speed up analysis, and support the quick handling of drug-related cases, especially due to recent increases in drug seizures.
The new laboratories, which are well-located and fully equipped, were built to follow high standards for safety and quality, while also providing a good working space for staff who carry out drug tests.
This development was made possible with support from the United States International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), and was carried out with the help of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
To build staff capacity, NDLEA also partnered with the Institute of Public Analysts of Nigeria (IPAN) to train and certify 20 forensic analysts, who can now officially sign drug test reports.
The project also includes strong quality checks, following agency’s participation in three rounds of the UNODC International Collaborative Exercise (ICE), which is part of a global programme to make sure tests are accurate and reliable.
NDLEA Chairman Brig Gen Mohamed Marwa (Rtd), who expressed satisfaction with the progress, stated that the new facilities would significantly enhance the agency’s forensic analysis capabilities and help strengthen the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
Marwa explained that while the two new laboratories were ready for deployment, the existing Lagos facility had undergone a comprehensive renovation, transforming it into a state-of-the-art forensic centre that meets the agency’s expanding operational needs.
He applauded the officers and personnel of the Directorate of Forensic and Chemical Monitoring for their commitment to breaking the 25-year jinx and described the development as a major breakthrough in the agency’s forensic history.
According to him, “The newly constructed drug laboratories and the renovated Lagos facility represent a significant milestone in the agency’s history, and we are proud of this achievement.”
Marwa added that the progress made so far reflects his administration’s dedication to equipping the NDLEA with modern instruments and developing the technical expertise needed to detect and combat emerging drug threats, especially New Psychoactive Substances (NPS).
Meanwhile, the U.S. INL has donated a high-tech spectroscopy device to bolster the forensic operations at the upgraded Lagos laboratory and support the precision of substance analysis.
The donation was officially presented by the INL Director in Nigeria, Candace Spradley, who commended the growing partnership between the United States government and the NDLEA in promoting safer, drug-free communities.
Spradley explained that the newly donated equipment would enhance the agency’s capacity to detect, test, and analyse suspicious substances with greater efficiency, speed, and scientific accuracy.
Present at the handover ceremony, which took place at the NDLEA’s Ikoyi annex in Lagos, were senior agency officials led by the Director of Seaport Operations, DCGN Omolade Faboyede, alongside the Director of Forensic and Chemical Monitoring, ACGN Patricia Afolabi.
Other top officers in attendance included the Deputy Director of Media and Advocacy, ACGN Rita Okpere; Head of the Special Operations Unit, ACGN Akinola Grace; and Commander of the Lagos State Strategic Command, CN Abubakar Wali, among others.
