Sign in Subscribe
Food supply

Nigeria's Minister of Agriculture Pledges Support for National Drug Law Enforcement Agency's "Alternative Development" Initiative

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As Nigeria grapples with the challenges of drug abuse, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has pledged his ministry's support to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in a move aimed at reducing the country's illicit cannabis cultivation. The support comes after a proposal from NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), who highlighted the interlinked nature of national security and food security. With 10.6 million of Nigeria's 14.3 million drug users consuming cannabis, the NDLEA's "Alternative Development" initiative seeks to encourage cannabis farmers to switch to legal crops, such as artemisia annua, which could generate up to $100 billion annually for Nigeria.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has pledged support to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for their "Alternative Development" initiative, aiming to provide viable farming alternatives for illicit cannabis growers.
  • The NDLEA's Chairman, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), stressed that addressing national security requires adequate attention to drug control, as 10.6 million of Nigeria's 14.3 million drug users consume cannabis.
  • The "Alternative Development" initiative, backed by the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs, aims to encourage cannabis farmers to switch to legal crops, including artemisia annua, which could generate up to $100 billion annually for Nigeria.
  • Senator Kyari is committed to integrating rehabilitated drug users into government farming schemes to reduce relapse rates and "breed the next generation of leaders" instead of criminals.
  • A joint technical committee will be established to develop a roadmap for the collaboration, which Nigerian officials hopes will address drug abuse, reduce crime, and create new economic opportunities for the country.

Statistics:

  • 10.6 million out of 14.3 million drug users in Nigeria consume cannabis.
  • The NDLEA's "Alternative Development" initiative has been endorsed by the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs.
  • Artemisia annua, a plant used in malaria treatment, has the potential to generate up to $100 billion annually for Nigeria.
  • Nigerian officials hope the collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture and the NDLEA will address drug abuse, reduce crime, and create new economic opportunities for the country.

Sources:

  • Voice of Nigeria, 15 August 2025.

Read more