After operating a single forensic laboratory in Lagos for over 25 years, 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, PUNCH ONLINE reports.

The strategic expansion aims to boost the agency’s forensic analysis capabilities amid 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. ‘

Marwa noted 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 noted 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.

A delegation of top NDLEA officials, led by the Director of Seaport Operations, DCGN Omolade Faboyede, received the US team and equipment at the Lagos Headquarters Annexe in Ikoyi.

Other officials present included 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 commended the Directorate of Forensic and Chemical Monitoring for their commitment, noting that the agency’s new forensic capabilities reflect his administration’s resolve to adopt modern technology and research-driven strategies in combating drug crimes, particularly the rising challenge of New Psychoactive Substances.