NDLEA Opens Two New Forensic Labs

For the first time in over 25 years of operating just one forensic laboratory in Lagos, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has marked a major breakthrough by adding two advanced laboratories in Abuja and Enugu, alongside a full-scale upgrade of its Lagos facility.

This deliberate expansion is designed to improve the agency’s forensic investigation capacity amid growing drug seizures, ensure quicker access to lab results, and reinforce efforts to prosecute drug-related crimes.

In a statement released on Monday, the agency’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, said NDLEA Chairman, Mohamed Marwa, described the development as “a significant milestone in the agency’s history.”

Marwa emphasized that the newly established labs would support faster case handling and intensify Nigeria’s efforts against drug abuse and illegal 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 pointed out that while the two new laboratories were ready for use, the Lagos lab had been fully renovated and modernized, upgrading it into a high-tech facility.

He further mentioned that, in addition to the physical infrastructure, the agency has outfitted the labs with advanced analytical tools and introduced strict quality control protocols.

Babafemi disclosed that twenty NDLEA forensic analysts have now received training and certification in partnership with the Institute of Public Analysts of Nigeria, allowing them to officially endorse drug analysis reports.

He also highlighted the agency’s active involvement in the UNODC International Collaborative Exercise as proof of its dedication to upholding international benchmarks in forensic accuracy and reliability.

As part of continued support, Babafemi noted that the US-INL recently donated a new spectroscopy machine to the Lagos laboratory.

He said the device was officially presented by the INL Director in Nigeria, Ms. Candace Spradley, who commended the ongoing partnership between the two organizations.

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

A high-level team of NDLEA officials, led by Director of Seaport Operations, DCGN Omolade Faboyede, welcomed the US representatives and received the equipment at the Lagos Headquarters Annexe in Ikoyi.

Among the attendees were Director of Forensic and Chemical Monitoring, ACGN Patricia Afolabi; Deputy Director of Media and Advocacy, ACGN Rita Geh Okpere; Head of Special Operations Unit, ACGN Akinola Idowu Grace; and Lagos State Commander, CN Abubakar Liman Wali.

Marwa applauded the Directorate of Forensic and Chemical Monitoring for their dedication, stating that the agency’s newly enhanced forensic infrastructure demonstrates his leadership’s commitment to leveraging modern technology and evidence-based strategies to address drug-related challenges—especially the growing threat of New Psychoactive Substances.