Nigeria no longer a permissive ground for drug cartels – UNODC

The Office of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Nigeria has declared that Nigeria is no longer a permissive ground for international drug cartels.

The Agency said this following the unprecedented number of arrests, seizures and convictions of drug traffickers recorded by the current leadership of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the past five years.

Ousmane Toure, UNODC Country Representative in Nigeria, stated this in Abuja on Monday during a brief ceremony meant to hand over to the NDLEA, audiovisual interview rooms equipped with modern technology provided by UNODC and funded by the United States International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (US-INL).

The UNODC however noted that “Transnational drug trafficking remains one of the most destabilising forces of our time;”, adding that” it fuels corruption, funds violence, destroys communities, and exploits the most vulnerable”

He stated that Nigeria, at a critical sub-regional crossroads, had been both a target and a transit hub for criminal networks stretching from Latin America to Asia and across Africa.

The UN body stressed further that “Under the strong and visionary leadership of Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), 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 results over these years have sent very strong messages to transnational criminal organisations that “Nigeria is no longer a permissive environment.”

The UNODC, while expressing appreciation to the US Government for funding the project, added that “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 that 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”.

He urged that the facility be replicated in all Commands and Formations of the Agency across the Country.

Buba Marwa, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, expressed gratitude to the US-INL and UNODC “for believing in our mission and for walking this path with us”, while assuring them and the Nigerian public that the Agency is “ready for the work ahead.”

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.

“The handover of these 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.”

Marwa said the world is an interconnected place 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 noted.

He therefore expressed his committment to ensuring that the contribution translates into measurable results and a lasting impact on our counter-narcotics efforts.

“We look forward to sharing the milestones we will undoubtedly achieve through this partnership.

“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 the Deputy Director of US-INL, Douglas Grane, top officials of UNODC and top management staff of NDLEA, among others”, he added.