By Deborah Nnamdi
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, has pledged strong support for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in its campaign against drug abuse, including offering agricultural opportunities for rehabilitated drug users and promoting alternative livelihoods for illicit crop growers.
Kyari made this commitment during a meeting with the NDLEA Chairman and CEO, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), in Abuja.
Highlighting the close connection between drug control and national security, Marwa said, “We really cannot tackle national security without adequate attention to drug control because they are interlinked.”
He revealed that out of 14.3 million drug users in Nigeria, 10.6 million abuse cannabis, making it the most commonly used illicit substance. To address this, the NDLEA is promoting an ‘Alternative Development’ strategy aimed at persuading cannabis farmers to switch to legal crops.
“This will give them at least a legitimate source of income. They will be able to sleep with their two eyes closed,” Marwa said, adding that the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs supports the initiative.
He cited Artemisia annua—a plant used in malaria treatments—as a viable substitute for cannabis cultivation. A study by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) estimates the plant’s potential annual value to Nigeria at $100 billion.
Marwa also appealed for the ministry’s assistance in rehabilitating former drug users by integrating them into agriculture-based programs. “After treatment, if they return to the same environment without support, they risk relapse,” he noted.
In response, Minister Kyari acknowledged the link between drug abuse and rising criminality and affirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting the NDLEA’s initiative.
“We’re willing to partner with you on the excellent work that you’re doing,” Kyari said, adding that the ministry will help by providing inputs like seedlings, equipment, and other support for both recovering addicts and transitioning farmers.
The two agencies agreed to set up a technical committee to develop a detailed framework for collaboration.
