The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, has pledged to support the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in its efforts to combat drug abuse, including providing agricultural opportunities for former drug users and creating alternatives for those who grow illicit crops.

He made the pledge during a meeting with the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, (CEO), of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), in Abuja.

General Marwa emphasised the link between drug control and national security, stating, “We really cannot tackle national security without adequate attention to drug control because they are interlinked.”

He highlighted that of the 14.3 million drug users in Nigeria, 10.6 million abuse cannabis, making it the most commonly used psychoactive substance in the country.

Marwa explained that the NDLEA is exploring an ‘Alternative Development’ platform to encourage cannabis growers to switch to legitimate crops.

He said this approach is a “more permanent solution to the problem.

“We have decided to create another platform called ‘Alternative Development’, which seeks to persuade cannabis growers to change from growing cannabis, which is illicit, to something legitimate and licit.

“This will give them at least a legitimate source of income. They will be able to sleep with their two eyes closed,” Marwa said.

He noted that the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs has expressed support for the initiative. Marwa revealed that he had already met with some cannabis growers who showed interest in the idea.

“For us to tell cannabis growers, ‘please, don’t grow cannabis, grow something else,’ there has to be incentives for them to agree,” he said. “This is where we need the support of the ministry to give them some inputs, seedlings, tractors, water, fertilisers, chemicals, and others.”

He suggested a specific crop, Artemisia annua, also known as sweet wormwood, which can be used to produce malaria treatments.
Marwa also cited a study by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) that confirmed the plant’s viability in Nigeria and estimated its potential annual value to the country at $100 billion.

The NDLEA chairman also sought the ministry’s help in rehabilitating former drug users by integrating them into agricultural programs.

“Now, when our children come to us for treatment and rehabilitation because of drugs, we treat them, and they become normal and responsible people after the treatment. When you throw them back again into the same environment where they got into drug abuse, they will relapse,” Marwa explained.

Earlier, Kyari acknowledged the direct correlation between drug abuse and other forms of criminality. He emphasised the government’s commitment to job creation and improving livelihoods.

“I would like to express our commitment to this alternative development initiative,” Kyari said.

He added that the ministry would also collaborate with the NDLEA to provide tools and other forms of livelihood support for those undergoing rehabilitation. “We’re willing to partner with you on the excellent work that you’re doing.”

The two agencies have agreed to establish a technical committee to finalise the details of their collaboration.