NDLEA Nigeria: Unveils Cannabis Alternative Development Strategy

• NDLEA Chairman Mohamed Buba Marwa sought support from traditional rulers, including the Oba of Benin, to combat drug abuse in Nigeria.
• Over 15 million Nigerians abuse drugs, a figure three times the global average, necessitating a "whole-of-society approach."
• The NDLEA introduced an "alternative development" strategy to persuade cannabis growers, particularly in states like Edo, to switch to licit crops.
• Cannabis accounts for 75% of the 16 million kilogrammes of illicit substances seized by the NDLEA in the last six years.
• This new strategy, the first of its kind in Africa, has been welcomed by the UNODC and the Nigerian Federal Government as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

This strategic pivot is touted by the NDLEA as the first of its kind in Africa and has garnered significant backing from both the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Federal Government of Nigeria, which has integrated it into its broader "Renewed Hope Agenda" to facilitate a move from illicit to legitimate businesses for these farmers.

Brig-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), recently visited Benin City, where he engaged with key stakeholders on Nigeria's ongoing battle against drug abuse. During his visit, which included an assessment of the NDLEA state command and an address to the Regimental Sergeant Majors Convention of the Nigerian Army, Marwa made a significant appeal to traditional rulers for their crucial support. He highlighted the alarming statistic that over 15 million Nigerians are currently abusing drugs, a figure three times the global average, underscoring the urgent need for a comprehensive societal response.

Marwa emphasized that combating this widespread issue requires a "whole-of-society approach," involving diverse groups such as traditional institutions, religious bodies, civil society organizations, government agencies, and the media. He specifically identified traditional institutions as paramount in this collective effort. During a courtesy visit to the Oba of Benin's palace, Marwa acknowledged the monarch's consistent support for drug control initiatives and other societal challenges. In response, Oba Ewuare II commended the NDLEA's efforts and pledged his personal counsel to the chairman in the fight against illicit drugs. Furthermore, Marwa designated Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo as the agency's Grand Patron of the World Against Drugs and Substance Abuse, recognizing the state government's commitment to prevention and anti-narcotics efforts during a visit to Government House, Benin City.

A central component of the NDLEA's evolving strategy, unveiled by Brig-Gen. Marwa, is the introduction of an "alternative development" pillar aimed at communities involved in cannabis cultivation. This innovative approach directly addresses the fact that cannabis constitutes a substantial 75% of the 16 million kilogrammes of illicit substances seized by the agency over the past six years, largely due to its cultivation within Nigeria. Edo State is notably identified as one of the significant regions for this illicit crop.

The alternative development strategy involves actively persuading cannabis growers to transition away from illegal farming practices towards cultivating licit crops such as cassava, yam, and corn. Marwa reported that cultivators have expressed gratitude for this initiative, acknowledging that while cannabis may offer greater financial returns, shifting to legal crops provides them with invaluable peace of mind. This strategic pivot is touted by the NDLEA as the first of its kind in Africa and has garnered significant backing from both the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Federal Government of Nigeria, which has integrated it into its broader "Renewed Hope Agenda" to facilitate a move from illicit to legitimate businesses for these farmers.

The NDLEA's proactive engagement with traditional leaders and the launch of its alternative development program signify a robust reinforcement of Nigeria's drug control policy. The emphasis on a "whole-of-society approach" underscores a recognition that effective drug combat extends beyond enforcement to include community-level intervention and socio-economic alternatives. The explicit acknowledgment of the Oba of Benin's support and the designation of the Edo State Governor as a Grand Patron further solidify the importance of local leadership and state government commitment in achieving national drug control objectives.

This multi-faceted strategy, particularly the focus on alternative development for cannabis growers, represents a significant evolution in the fight against drug abuse in Nigeria. By offering a pathway for farmers to transition from illicit cannabis cultivation to legal agricultural ventures, the NDLEA is not only targeting the supply chain but also addressing the root causes of involvement in the drug trade. The endorsement from the UNODC and its alignment with the Federal Government's "Renewed Hope Agenda" highlight the national and international recognition of this comprehensive and forward-thinking approach to drug control.

The NDLEA's new alternative development strategy for cannabis cultivation, particularly in states like Edo, indicates a shift in enforcement and compliance. Lawyers advising agricultural businesses or individuals in affected regions should understand this initiative, as it may present legal pathways for transitioning to licit crops or introduce new compliance risks for continued illicit cultivation, impacting land use and agricultural business models.

Source: Original reporting via Leadership and AllAfrica