The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has established two laboratories in Abuja and Enugu state for the conduct of forensic investigations.
According to the NDLEA, the new facilities will end “25 years of reliance on a single laboratory located in Lagos”.
A statement by Femi Babafemi, NDLEA spokesperson, said the two new facilities were “equipped with state-of -the-art facilities designed to meet the highest standards of quality and safety protocols”.
Babafemi added that the agency, in collaboration with the Institute of Public Analysts of Nigeria (IPAN), has conducted the training and certification of 20 NDLEA forensic analysts.
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The NDLEA spokesperson disclosed that the US Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs donated new equipment for the operations of the NDLEA lab in Lagos.
Commenting on the development, Buba Marwa, the NDLEA chairman, said the new laboratories will enhance the forensic analysis capabilities of the agency and improve the anti-drug war.
Marwa said the project was executed through the “sponsorship of the US International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) and implemented by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)”.
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“The newly constructed drug laboratories and renovated facilities mark a significant milestone in the Agency’s history, and we are delighted about this achievement”, he said.
The NDLEA boss said the two new facilities are set to commence operations, adding that the Lagos facility has undergone “comprehensive renovation and refurbishment, transforming it into a state-of-the-art facility”.
