The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has declared that Nigeria is no longer a permissive ground for international drug cartels given the strong message that has been sent out by the unprecedented number of arrests, seizures and convictions of drug traffickers recorded by the current leadership of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the past five years.
The UNODC Country Representative in Nigeria, Mr. Cheikh Ousmane Toure stated this in Abuja during a brief ceremony to hand over to NDLEA audiovisual interview rooms equipped with modern technology provided by UNODC and funded by the United States International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (US-INL).
According to Mr Ousmane, Transnational drug trafficking remains one of the most destabilizing forces of our time; it fuels corruption, funds violence, destroys communities, and exploits the most vulnerable.
Nigeria, at a critical sub-regional crossroads, has been both a target and a transit hub for criminal networks stretching from Latin America to Asia and across Africa.
“Under the strong and visionary leadership of Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), NDLEA has demonstrated remarkable courage and professionalism in confronting these networks. Since his appointment in 2021,
The agency has significantly strengthened enforcement, increased major seizures, and expanded prevention and treatment initiatives. The result has been clear: it has sent very strong messages to transnational criminal organizations because Nigeria is no longer a permissive environment.”
He expressed Appreciation to the US government for funding the project. .
As we formally hand over these upgraded interview rooms, we are reaffirming our shared conviction that the fight against drug trafficking and organized crime must be waged within the bounds of law, with full respect for human rights, and with unwavering transparency”, he added.
He urged that the facility be replicated in all commands and formations of the Agency across the country.
The ceremony, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) expressed gratitude to the US-INL and UNODC for believing in and walking with agency. He assured that the Agency is ready for the work ahead emphasising that the significance of the donated facilities was not just commissioning rooms but an upgrade of the integrity of the agency’s investigative process. Marwa notes that NDLEA is currently at an advanced stage of digital transformation, and the provision of those state-of-the-art facilities has taken them into the future of law enforcement where technology meets the rule of law.
He adds, it reinforces their commitment to transparency, the extant laws, and global best practices in criminal justice.
This equipment he says, “is far more than mere technology; it is a symbol of trust. It reflects your belief in our mission and our people. For the Agency, this means enhanced capacity, higher investigative standards, and the ability to deliver justice more effectively.”
He assured on their committed to ensure that the contribution translates into measurable results and a lasting impact on counter-narcotics efforts. And to the staff it means better tools for the job. For the public, it means a more transparent and professional Agency.
NTA
