The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has declared that Nigeria is no longer a permissive ground for international drug cartels, citing the unprecedented arrests, seizures, and convictions recorded by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the past five years.
UNODC Country Representative in Nigeria, Cheikh Ousmane Toure, made the statement in Abuja on Monday during a ceremony to hand over modern audiovisual interview rooms to NDLEA.
The facilities were provided by UNODC and funded by the United States International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (US‑INL).
“Transnational drug trafficking remains one of the most destabilising forces of our time; it fuels corruption, funds violence, destroys communities, and exploits the most vulnerable,” Toure said.
He explained that Nigeria, positioned at a critical sub‑regional crossroads, had long been a target and transit hub for criminal networks stretching from Latin America to Asia.
NDLEA’s Leadership And Global Recognition
Toure praised NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), saying: “Under the strong and visionary leadership of Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, 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: Nigeria is no longer a permissive environment.”
He thanked the US government for its support. “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,” he added.
He urged that the facility be replicated across NDLEA commands nationwide to strengthen investigative capacity.
NDLEA’s Digital Transformation
In his remarks, Marwa expressed gratitude to UNODC and US‑INL “for believing in our mission and for walking this path with us.” He assured Nigerians 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.”
He added: “The handover of these modern interview and interrogation rooms could not have come at a more pivotal time. It reinforces our commitment to transparency, our extant laws, and global best practices in criminal justice.”
Marwa emphasised that the equipment symbolises trust and enhances NDLEA’s ability to deliver justice.
“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.”
The ceremony was attended by US‑INL Deputy Director Dr. Douglas Grane, UNODC officials, and NDLEA management staff.
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