The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has declared that Nigeria is no longer a permissive environment for international drug cartels, citing significant progress made by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in recent years.
Speaking in Abuja on Monday, UNODC Country Representative, Cheikh Ousmane Toure, said the surge in arrests, seizures, and convictions under the leadership of NDLEA Chairman, Mohamed Buba Marwa, has sent a strong deterrent message to transnational criminal networks.
The remarks were made during the handover of modern audiovisual interview rooms to the NDLEA by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, with funding support from the United States International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs.
Toure described drug trafficking as a major global threat that fuels corruption and violence, noting that Nigeria’s strategic location has historically made it a target and transit hub for illicit networks. However, he commended the NDLEA’s strengthened enforcement efforts, expanded drug control initiatives, and improved operational capacity since 2021.
He also lauded the United States government for funding the project, describing the upgraded facilities as an investment in transparency, rule of law, and a safer Nigeria. Toure urged the replication of such facilities across NDLEA commands nationwide.
In his response, Marwa expressed appreciation to UNODC and US-INL for their continued support, assuring that the agency remains committed to tackling drug trafficking.
He noted that the newly commissioned interrogation rooms would enhance the integrity of investigations and align the agency with global best practices, particularly as NDLEA advances its digital transformation agenda.
Marwa added that the facilities would strengthen investigative standards, improve transparency, and boost the agency’s capacity to deliver justice effectively, pledging that officers would utilise the equipment with professionalism and efficiency.
The event was attended by senior officials, including US-INL Deputy Director, Douglas Grane, alongside top UNODC and NDLEA personnel.