NDLEA Lauds Upgrade of Lagos Laboratory by America

The US government, through the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), handed over the facility to the agency to complement efforts.

This follows the investment of approximately $500,000 by the American government to modernize and equip the chemical forensic laboratory at the NDLEA zonal office in Lagos in 2024.

The upgraded laboratory, now equipped with cutting-edge technology, enhances the NDLEA’s capacity to analyse suspicious substances and process evidence from crime scenes and suspects.

Acting US Consul General, Ms JoEllen Gorg formally handed over the keys to the new office space to NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Mohammed Buba Marwa, during a ceremony attended by representatives from AFRICOM and the DEA.

Acting Consul General Gorg noted that the donation of a new office, equipped with a solar power system, represents a significant step forward in US-Nigeria security cooperation.

She noted that the new facility will provide NDLEA officers with a secure and professional environment to carry out critical investigative functions, including processing detainees and conducting post-arrest interviews.

“The U.S.-Nigeria security partnership remains strong. This donation is the latest example of the robust and productive cooperation between the U.S. government and the NDLEA,” the Acting Consul General said.

“Over the years, our joint efforts have helped build the capacity of Nigerian authorities to disrupt drug trafficking networks, dismantle clandestine meth labs, and conduct advanced forensic analyses of synthetic drugs,” she added.

On his part, NDLEA Chairman/CEO Marwa lauded the US-Nigeria security cooperation in the fight against illicit drugs and countering narcotics trafficking.

He described the US as a steadfast ally in Nigeria’s fight against drug-related crimes and noted that the collaboration has significantly enhanced the NDLEA’s operational efficiency.

Since the establishment of the NDLEA in 1990, the US Mission to Nigeria has partnered with the agency to combat narcotics trafficking which it has done through training in intelligence, evidence collection, management, and tactical skills, including equipment donation.