The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has said Nigeria is fast shedding its reputation as a transit hub for international drug trafficking, following a decisive crackdown led by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The UNODC Country Representative in Nigeria, Cheikh Ousmane Toure, made the assertion Monday in Abuja during the handover of state-of-the-art audiovisual interview rooms donated to the NDLEA.
The facilities were provided by the UNODC with funding support from the United States International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (US-INL).
Toure said the scale of arrests, seizures and convictions recorded under the leadership of NDLEA Chairman/CEO, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), has sent a strong signal to global drug networks that Nigeria is no longer a permissive environment for their operations.
He noted that transnational drug trafficking continues to fuel corruption, violence, and societal decay worldwide, adding that Nigeria’s strategic location has historically made it vulnerable as both a target and transit point for criminal syndicates spanning Latin America, Asia, and Africa.
“Under Marwa’s leadership since 2021, NDLEA has shown remarkable courage and professionalism. The strengthened enforcement actions and expanded prevention and treatment programmes have delivered a clear message to criminal organisations,” Toure said.
He commended the United States government for funding the project, describing the new interrogation facilities as more than just infrastructure.
“This investment goes beyond bricks and cables, it reinforces the ideals of transparency, fairness, and human rights in the fight against organised crime,” he added, urging replication of such facilities across NDLEA commands nationwide.
In his response, Marwa expressed appreciation to both UNODC and US-INL for their continued support, assuring that the agency is fully prepared to build on its recent gains.
“We are ready for the work ahead,” he declared.
Highlighting the importance of the newly commissioned facilities, Marwa said they represent a major step in modernising the agency’s investigative processes.
