The United States government has supported Nigeria’s fight against drug trafficking by funding the installation of modern audiovisual interrogation rooms for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.
The facilities were officially handed over in Abuja on Monday by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, which implemented the project through its Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement.
Speaking at the event, UNODC Country Representative Cheikh Toure said Nigeria is no longer a safe haven for international drug cartels, thanks to intensified enforcement efforts in recent years.
“Transnational drug trafficking remains one of the most destabilising forces of our time. It fuels corruption, funds violence, destroys communities, and preys on the most vulnerable,” he said.
Toure noted that while Nigeria’s strategic position once made it a hub for global criminal networks, recent actions by the NDLEA have begun to change that narrative. He praised the leadership of the agency under Buba Marwa, highlighting significant progress since 2021 in enforcement, drug seizures, and prevention initiatives.
“The message is now clear—Nigeria is no longer a permissive environment for these criminal organisations,” he added.
He also commended the United States for supporting the initiative, describing the intervention as more than just infrastructure.
“This is not just about equipment. It is an investment in transparency, justice, and a safer Nigeria,” Toure said.
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In his remarks, Marwa expressed appreciation to both the US government and UNODC for their continued support. He said the new facilities would strengthen the integrity of investigations and align the agency with global standards.
“We are not just commissioning rooms; we are improving the credibility of our investigative process,” he said. “This is part of our broader move toward digital transformation.”
According to him, the new systems will enhance professionalism, improve how suspects are handled, and ensure greater transparency in the agency’s operations.
“For our officers, it means better tools. For Nigerians, it means a more accountable and professional NDLEA. We are committed to using this equipment effectively and setting higher standards in law enforcement,” Marwa added.
