Federal Government invested more than N1.2 billion on drug detection scanners for key international airports in 2024.
According to data retrieved from BudgIT’s transparency platform, Govspendng, a payment totaling N1,222,537,600.81 was made on July 8, 2024, to Aricent Integrated Solutions Ltd.
This transaction covered the supply of two advanced drug detection scanners for Abuja and Lagos International Airports.
The new scanners, equipped with state-of-the-art technology, are designed to detect hidden drugs and other banned substances on passengers, complementing the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency’s intensified efforts to fight drug trafficking.
In addition to the scanners, the NDLEA’s budget for 2024 also saw a payment of N796,382,723.37 to R2U Architects Limited for consultancy fees related to the construction of NDLEA barracks in Enugu, Kano, and Jigawa states. Furthermore, N530,333,694.02 was paid to Blue Sea Services Limited as an advance for the construction of two blocks of four-bedroom terrace flats for NDLEA directors.
The NDLEA also spent N1,822,613,022.94 on 33 Mikano Maxus T60 Comfort 4×4 vehicles to support counter-narcotics operations.
While these significant investments have sparked discussions on improving security measures, experts stressed the importance of effective monitoring and maintenance of the new equipment.
Security expert, Oladele Fajana, on Sunday shared his views with The PUNCH, noting, “I have been following these developments closely, especially the use of scanners at airports, and I believe the investment is leading to profit, and it is evident that there is progress in the system. However, there is still plenty of room for improvement. The government needs to sustain and enhance these efforts to achieve better results.”
An expert at Lotus Beta Analytics, Shadrach Israel, also praised the government’s expenditure, stating, “Investments like this are good for tackling illicit drug flows into the country while also preventing the movement of hard drugs out of the country, painting the country in a bad light.”
