The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has launched a groundbreaking, people-centered initiative designed to curb illicit cannabis cultivation across Nigeria while empowering rural communities to embrace lawful and sustainable agricultural practices.
The programme, hailed as the first of its kind on the continent, was formally introduced last week with a pilot phase in three high-risk communities in Ondo State, a region historically associated with large-scale cannabis farming.
A New Approach: Alternative Development for Lasting Change
Addressing stakeholders at the launch, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd).
NDLEA describes initiative as holistic strategy eradicating cannabis, fostering economic development, stability, security.
“This programme improves local economies, promotes peace, strengthens security, and gives farmers lawful livelihoods,” Marwa stated.
Unlike past eradication efforts, new NDLEA program stresses alternative development, guiding farmers from illicit to legal crops.
Approach eases law enforcement burden, strengthens agriculture, boosts food security, enhances Nigeria’s global drug control reputation.
Government and Community Buy-In: A Multi-Stakeholder Effort
Brigadier General Marwa called for broad-based support from all levels of government, traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society, and development partners.
“The success of this initiative depends on collective action.
We urge all stakeholders to support the programme and help build a future where communities prosper through legitimate means,” he urged.
Ondo communities embrace NDLEA pilot; local leaders laud it as trust-building government partnership symbol.
Early indications suggest that farmers are receptive to adopting alternative crops, a shift that could help alleviate poverty, reinforce food security.
And promote safer, more stable communities in areas previously dependent on cannabis cultivation.
Scale of the Challenge: Cannabis Use and Cultivation in Nigeria
The NDLEA underscored the scale of the cannabis challenge with data from the 2018 National Drug Use Survey.
Survey: 14.4% of Nigerians 15–64 (14.3 million) used psychoactive substances last year; cannabis most common.
Field studies identify 8,900 hectares of cannabis cultivation in southwest, fueling domestic use and trafficking.
Brigadier General Marwa highlighted the significant social and public health risks associated with widespread cannabis use, especially among Nigerian youth.
Chronic use causes health issues, dependency, crime surge, strains overburdened healthcare, he noted.
“Cannabis is over 75% of NDLEA’s 15 million kg drug seizures in five years,” Marwa added.
Strategic Partnerships and National Policy Alignment
NDLEA initiative aligns with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for inclusive growth, rural development, social stability.
Marwa thanked UNODC, IITA, foreign foundations for technical, financial support in cannabis initiative.
Ondo Governor Ayedatiwa, Agriculture Minister Kyari pledge support for NDLEA’s cannabis-curbing community initiative at launch.
Scaling Up: A Nationwide Vision
NDLEA eyes nationwide community programs in cannabis regions to transform economies, cut crime, boost health.
“The alternative development programme is a sustainable solution that addresses the root causes of illicit cannabis cultivation,” Marwa remarked.
“With continued support, we can create safer, healthier, and more productive communities for all Nigerians.”
Initiative launch shifts Nigeria’s drug fight to prevention, partnerships, people-focused development for national progress.
Observers watch if NDLEA model blueprints solutions for other African nations facing cannabis challenges.
