By: Manoah Kikekon
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Abuja, Nigeria – In a groundbreaking move to combat drug abuse and promote sustainable livelihoods, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has joined forces with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (AFS).
The partnership aims to rehabilitate drug users, provide alternative income sources for cannabis farmers, and boost Nigeria’s agricultural sector key steps in ensuring national security and food sustainability.
The collaboration was finalized during a high-level meeting in Abuja between NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa and Agriculture Minister Senator Abubakar Kyari.
Marwa emphasized that President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda prioritizes both food security and national security, stating, “We cannot tackle national security without addressing drug abuse they are deeply interconnected.”
With 14.3 million drug users in Nigeria 10.6 million of whom abuse cannabis the NDLEA is pushing for long-term solutions beyond arrests. Their Alternative Development Program seeks to convert cannabis growers to legal farming, offering incentives like seedlings, tractors, fertilizers, and training to transition into profitable, lawful agriculture.
Marwa revealed an ambitious plan to introduce Artemisia Annua (sweet wormwood) a plant used in malaria treatment with a potential $100 billion annual market as a replacement crop for cannabis farmers.
“We’ve engaged cannabis growers, and they’re open to change if given the right support,” he said. The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) has confirmed the plant’s viability in Nigeria, making it a lucrative alternative.
Another critical focus is reintegrating rehabilitated drug users into society. Marwa warned, “If we return them to the same environment without opportunities, they’ll relapse.”
The NDLEA seeks the Agriculture Ministry’s support in training and employing recovered addicts in farming projects, ensuring they have stable incomes and purpose.
Minister Kyari pledged full support, stressing that drug abuse fuels crime and threatens Nigeria’s future.
“If we don’t act now, we risk breeding criminals instead of leaders,” he warned. The Ministry will provide tools, training, and funding to help ex-drug users and farmers transition into legal, profitable agriculture.