The Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved a total sum of N1 billion for the purchase of a lie detector scanner and night vision goggles for the National Drug Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malamihe made it known to reporters on Wednesday in Abuja after the FEC’s weekly meeting.
The minister who praised the NDLEA’s activities said the gesture was to curb drug sales in Nigeria.
The NDLEA under its new leadership has succeeded in arresting and prosecuting a large number of drug lords in Nigeria.
Among those arrested by the agency is the embattled deputy police commissioner, Abba Kyari, who has been accused of aiding and abetting drug trafficking and running his own drug cartel.
Other prominent suspects in the agency’s custody include a traditional ruler and a cleric who was arrested at the airport.
Nigeria has in recent years become a haven for drug lords and addicts.
As of 2019, the National Survey on Drug Use 2018revealed that 14.3 million Nigerians between the ages of 15 and 64 use drugs.
Of this figure, the survey added that some three million were drug addicts and suffered from substance-induced disorders.
New equipment
According to Mr. Malami, the devices would go a long way in helping the agency in the work it is already doing in the fight against drug abuse.
He said the approvals came after the council approved two memos whose contracts were awarded to two tech companies.
“As you well know, the National Agency for Drug Control is a government agency, with the responsibility of exterminating the trafficking, sale and consumption of illicit drugs. Building on the fact that they have done wonderfully well, in terms of dealing with the scourge associated with drugs, the federal government has considered making additional provisions and employing and deploying skills and competencies in technological equipment to assist them in the delivery .
“So, this morning, two memos were taken. One was a memorandum seeking council approval for the award of the contract for the supply of an eye-scanning lie detector. Our technology has improved to the extent that we have technological equipment that has the ability to detect if you are telling the truth or if you are lying in the course of the investigation.
“So, in order to enhance the NDLEA’s ability to crack down on illicit drug trafficking, sale and use, the federal government has considered the need and feasibility of providing this equipment to the NDLEA.
“Finally, for that reason, the Federal Executive Council approved the award of the contract for the supply of an eye-scanning lie detector by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency of the National Drug Law for the sum of N498, 850,000 only, including 7.5% VAT with a lead time of 90 days.
“The second memorandum is one in which the NDLEA, through the Attorney General’s Office, sought council approval with the award of the supply of digital night vision goggles to the NDLEA. This is an equally additional technological device that is intended to support NDLEA night operations in view of its ability to support NDLEA visibility.
“The contract was then also put forward for the council’s consideration and the council kindly approved the award of the contract with the supply of digital night vision goggles by the council to the tune of N570,825,000 only, including 7.5% Sales Tax. Value Added with a completion period of 12 weeks,” said Malami.