Abuja, Nigeria — The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced the establishment of two new forensic laboratories in Abuja and Enugu, marking a major expansion in its capacity to combat drug-related crimes through timely and accurate forensic analysis.
The development, confirmed by NDLEA Chairman Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), comes after more than 25 years of relying on a single laboratory in Lagos, which has now also undergone significant upgrades. According to Marwa, the new facilities are strategically located and fully equipped with advanced technology to meet international standards for safety, quality, and efficiency.
“These new labs will significantly strengthen our forensic capabilities, enabling us to process cases faster and more effectively in our fight against drug abuse and trafficking,” Marwa stated.
He lauded the efforts of the agency’s Directorate of Forensic and Chemical Monitoring, emphasizing that this milestone reflects a strong commitment to equipping NDLEA personnel with modern tools and expertise, particularly in dealing with challenges posed by emerging New Psychoactive Substances (NPS).
The NDLEA spokesperson, Mr. Femi Babafemi, noted that the new labs are ready to commence operations, while the upgraded Lagos lab has been transformed into a state-of-the-art facility. He revealed that the initiative was supported by the U.S. Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) and executed by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
In addition, Babafemi announced that 20 NDLEA forensic analysts have been trained and certified in collaboration with the Institute of Public Analysts of Nigeria (IPAN), enhancing the agency’s ability to produce legally admissible drug analysis reports.
“This progress is further reinforced by our participation in the UNODC International Collaborative Exercise (ICE), which ensures rigorous quality control and reliability of forensic results,” Babafemi added.
The new and renovated laboratories represent a significant leap forward for the NDLEA, as the agency continues to modernize its operations and strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to address drug-related challenges.
By Makinde oyinkansola|May 13 ,2025
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