In an effort to expedite development in the agriculture sector and reduce use of illicit drugs, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Security (FMAFS) in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has strategized to create alternative for illicit drug producers by leveraging on agriculture as a key tool for rehabilitation as well as alternative livelihood.
Speaking during a meeting with the Chairman/Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd) and his entourage in Abuja, recently, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari stated,‘’ the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, places national security and food security as part of its main focus, we cannot tackle national security without adequate attention to drug control because they are interlinked’’.
He added that ‘’there is a direct correlation between drug abuse and forms of criminality, if nothing is done by all stakeholders ,the country may be breeding criminals instead of the next generation of leaders.’’
The Minister stressed that agriculture offers immense opportunities to achieve food security and national security by creating employment, youth and women inclusivity, and improved livelihoods, among others.
He assured that “the Ministry would collaborate with the NDLEA to support cannabis growers with agricultural inputs such as seedlings, tractors, fertilizers, and other farm tools, Facilitate the reintegration of rehabilitated persons through agriculture programmes.
According to him, “we should join hands. This is the collaborative effort that President Tinubu has already mandated us to do—not only achieving food security, but also creating jobs, improving livelihoods, and giving hope to youth and women, access to capital and credit.
We will partner with NDLEA to support both the alternative development initiative and the rehabilitation agenda,” the Minister stated.
In his remarks, the Chairman /Chief Executive Officer, NDLEA, Brig. Gen Buba Marwa stated the visit was to seek collaboration between NDLEA and the Ministry as part of ongoing efforts to surmount the challenge of drug scourge facing the country.
He noted that out of the 14.3 million drug users in Nigeria, 10.6 million of them abuse cannabis alone, making the psychoactive substance the most commonly abused in the country.
Marwa revealed that ‘’the Alternative Development project has secured the buy-in of the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs, and they are willing to encourage us’’.
“But for us to tell cannabis growers, please, don’t grow cannabis, grow something else, there has to be incentives for them to agree. I’ve actually had a meeting with some cannabis growers and discussed this idea with them,” he added.
The highlight of the meeting was understanding to set up a technical committee that will work on the details of the collaboration.
Ezeaja Ikemefuna
AD, Information
16/8/2025
