The United States government has donated a central exhibit office to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency to support its fight against drug-related crimes in Nigeria.
The office was commissioned on Tuesday by the Acting Consul General of the United States, Jo Ellen George, at the NDLEA headquarters annex in Ikoyi, Lagos.
At the event, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), highlighted the agency’s significant accomplishments in 2024.
“We seized over 2.6 million kilograms of illicit drugs, arrested more than 18,500 drug offenders, and secured 3,250 convictions, including 10 drug barons. We also destroyed over 220 hectares of cannabis farms and provided counseling and rehabilitation for over 8,200 individuals,” Marwa said.
He added that the NDLEA organized over 3,000 sensitization programs across schools, markets, workplaces, and communities to balance efforts in reducing drug supply and demand.
Marwa praised the United States government for being a dependable ally. He said, “This donation acknowledges the critical need for efficient and secure handling of evidence, essential for prosecuting drug-related cases. It strengthens our operational framework and sets a new standard for accountability and transparency in drug law enforcement.”
Despite the successes, Marwa emphasized that the fight against drug trafficking is far from over. He called for continued collaboration and support from international partners.
“The challenges of illicit drugs are dynamic and multifaceted, requiring continuous innovation and partnership,” he said. “We need support in areas such as advanced training, surveillance technology, intelligence sharing, and operational logistics.”
Marwa thanked the United States Africa Command, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the U.S. Embassy for their unwavering partnership. He also commended the U.S. DEA attaché in Nigeria, Mr. Robert Bascoe, for his efforts in making the donation a reality.
Speaking at the ceremony, Jo Ellen George reiterated the U.S. government’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to combat drug trafficking.
“This facility will provide NDLEA officers with a secure space to conduct investigations and process arrests,” she said. “It reflects the robust and productive cooperation between the U.S. government and the NDLEA.”
George noted that in 2024, the U.S. government invested $500,000 to upgrade the NDLEA’s forensic laboratory in Lagos. The lab now uses advanced technology to analyze drugs and evidence from crime scenes.
“Our joint efforts have disrupted drug trafficking networks and dismantled meth labs. We look forward to deepening our collaboration to better both our societies,” she added.
George also paid tribute to former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who passed away on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100. She described Carter as an extraordinary leader who promoted peace, democracy, and human rights.
“President Carter was the first U.S. President to make a state visit to Nigeria, and his legacy of partnership endures in moments like this,” she said.
