Marwa’s Bold Call: Swap Cannabis for Cash Crops, Save Communities, Secure Nigeria

By Linda Ike

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa has urged a national push and sustained backing for the Alternative Development programme, Africa’s first to combat illicit cannabis farming, boost rural communities, and bolster security.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Marwa rallied support for the pilot launched last week in Ondo State’s Ilu Abo, Ifon, and Eleyewo communities.

He described the strategy as more than crop swaps: “Its wider benefits include strengthening rural economies through value-chain development; reducing the burden on law enforcement; promoting peace in crime hotspots; supporting food production and diversification; and improving Nigeria’s global drug control image.”” This is a win-win for communities, government, and security,” Marwa said,.

He called on all stakeholders, government tiers, traditional leaders, donors, private sector, civil society, and media to sustain it.

Marwa urged drug-affected communities nationwide to adopt the model with NDLEA for lawful, productive livelihoods.

He said, “This isn’t just drug control, it’s a people-centred intervention to uplift communities, strengthen security, and secure Nigeria’s future.”

Aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.Communities in Ondo embraced it warmly, with leaders praising renewed hope, dignified incomes, poverty reduction, food security, and stability by tackling crime roots.

Marwa cited the 2018 National Drug Use Survey, 14.4% of Nigerians aged 15-64 (14.3 million) used psychoactive drugs yearly, double the global rate with cannabis leading at 10.6 million users.Nearly 8,900 hectares in the Southwest host hidden farms fueling domestic use and trafficking.

Social harms include youth dependency, lost productivity, crime, and healthcare strain. NDLEA seized 15 million kg of drugs in five years—75% cannabis—averting massive damage.

The UN-endorsed approach shifts from enforcement to root causes through sustainable farming.Partners and Momentum.

Marwa thanked backers like UNODC, IITA, GPDPD (Germany), Mae Fah Luang Foundation (Thailand), Ondo Governor Dr. Lucky Ayedatiwa, and Agriculture Minister Senator Abubakar Kyari, represented by Mrs. Alao Temitayo.

He said global support came from Ghana, South Africa, Germany, Thailand, Peru, Colombia, Brazil, Mexico, Netherlands, Myanmar, Bhutan, Laos, Afghanistan, Iran, and Guatemala.

NDLEA commits to nationwide expansion for a safer, healthier, prosperous Nigeria.