The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for its efforts to combat substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria.
UNODC declared that Nigeria is no longer a permissive ground for international drug cartels, citing the number of arrests, seizures, and convictions of drug traffickers recorded by the NDLEA under the leadership of its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), in the past five years.
The UNODC Country Representative in Nigeria, Mr. Cheikh Ousmane Toure, stated this during a brief ceremony in Abuja on Monday, where audiovisual interview rooms equipped with modern technology — provided by UNODC and funded by the United States International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (US-INL), were handed over to the NDLEA.
“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,” Mr. Toure said.
“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. “To our partners and the United States, your investment goes far beyond bricks, cables, and cameras — it is an investment in the idea that a stronger, fairer, and more transparent Nigeria is a safer Nigeria.
“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,” Toure added.
He further urged that the facility be replicated across all commands and formations of the Agency nationwide.
In his remarks at the ceremony, Marwa expressed gratitude to the US-INL and UNODC “for believing in our mission and for walking this path with us”, while assuring them and the Nigerian public that the Agency is “ready for the work ahead.”
Speaking on the significance of the donated facilities, Marwa said: “We are not just commissioning rooms; we are upgrading the integrity of our investigative process. The NDLEA is currently at an advanced stage of digital transformation, and the provision of these state-of-the-art facilities brings us into the future of law enforcement. This is where technology meets the rule of law.
“The handover of these modern interview and interrogation rooms could not have come at a more pivotal time. As the NDLEA accelerates toward the full digitalization of our operational processes, this facility ensures we remain in lockstep with our international partners. More importantly, it reinforces our commitment to transparency, our extant laws, and global best practices in criminal justice.”
He noted that the world is interconnected and that progress is a shared journey, “Today, that journey takes a significant leap forward. This equipment 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.”
The NDLEA boss also reiterated the Agency’s commitment to ensuring that this contribution translates into measurable results and a lasting impact on counter-narcotics efforts, expressing optimism that the partnership would yield significant milestones.
“For our officers, this means better tools for the job. For the public, it means a more transparent and professional Agency. We promise not just to use this equipment, but to master it — ensuring every interrogation is conducted with the highest standards of professionalism and efficiency,” he added.
The ceremony was attended by the Deputy Director of US-INL, Dr. Douglas Grane, top UNODC officials, and NDLEA management staff, among others.
