By Ibironke Ariyo
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) says Nigeria will no longer be a permissive ground for international drug cartels.
It said the position followed the strong message sent by the unprecedented number of arrests, seizures and convictions recorded by the current leadership of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the past five years.
The UNODC Country Representative in Nigeria, Mr Cheikh Toure, stated this on Monday in Abuja during the handover of audiovisual interview rooms to NDLEA.
A statement by the NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi, said that the rooms were equipped with modern technology provided by UNODC and funded by the United States International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (US-INL).
Toure said that transnational drug trafficking remained one of the most destabilising forces of time.
He said 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.
“Under the strong and visionary leadership of retired Brig.-Gen. 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: it has sent very strong messages to transnational criminal organizations because Nigeria is no longer a permissive environment,” he said.
Toure 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.”
According to him, the fight against drug trafficking and organised crime must be waged within the bounds of law, with full respect for human rights, and with unwavering transparency.
The UNODC country representative urged that the facility be replicated in all commands and formations of the agency across the country.
In his remarks, Marwa expressed gratitude to the US-INL and UNODC for believing in the agency’s mission and for walking the path with them.
Marwa assured them and the Nigerian public that the agency was 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 boss said that the NDLEA was currently at an advanced stage of digital transformation, and the provision of these state-of-the-art facilities brings the agency into the future of law enforcement.
According to Marwa, this is where technology meets the rule of law.
Marwa said the handover of the modern interview and interrogation rooms could not have come at a more pivotal time.
“As the NDLEA accelerates toward the full digitalisation 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.
“We live in an interconnected world where 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,” he said.
Marwa reiterated the agency’s commitment to ensuring that the contribution translated into measurable results and a lasting impact on the counter-narcotics efforts.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ceremony was attended by the Deputy Director of US-INL, Dr Douglas Grane, top officials of UNODC and top management staff of NDLEA, among others.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Yakubu Uba
