The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has expanded its forensic capacity with the commissioning of two new laboratories in Abuja and Enugu, and the upgrade of its longstanding Lagos facility—25 years after establishing its only forensic lab.
The announcement was made on Monday in a statement by the agency’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, who said the initiative was driven by a recent surge in drug seizures and the need for quicker, more efficient case processing.
According to NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), the new state-of-the-art laboratories are strategically located to improve accessibility and enhance the agency’s capabilities in drug analysis and criminal prosecution. “This expansion strengthens our fight against substance abuse and illicit trafficking,” Marwa said.
He revealed that the Lagos lab has undergone a complete overhaul, transforming it into a modern facility alongside the new ones. The project was funded by the U.S. Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) and implemented by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
To support the operational boost, 20 NDLEA forensic analysts were trained and certified in partnership with the Institute of Public Analysts of Nigeria (IPAN). The analysts are now authorized to sign off on drug analysis reports, further streamlining the agency’s legal processes.
Babafemi added that the NDLEA’s participation in three rounds of the UNODC’s International Collaborative Exercise (ICE)—a global quality assurance programme—has helped the agency establish strong internal controls and reliable analysis standards.
Marwa commended the staff of the Directorate of Forensic and Chemical Monitoring for their role in achieving this milestone. “Our goal is to ensure precision in forensic analysis, anticipate emerging threats such as New Psychoactive Substances, and stay ahead through innovation and training,” he stated.
As part of its support, the U.S. INL also donated a new spectroscopy device to the Lagos lab. The equipment was officially handed over by INL Director in Nigeria, Ms. Candace Spradley, who praised the collaboration with NDLEA.
Top NDLEA officials, including Director of Seaport Operations DCGN Omolade Faboyede and Director of Forensic and Chemical Monitoring ACGN Patricia Afolabi, received the U.S. delegation at the agency’s Lagos headquarters annex during the equipment handover.
