Illicit drugs: Marwa Calls For National Response, Support For Alternative Devt
The Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, has called for a strong national response and sustained support for the alternative development programme recently initiated.
This initiative was established to curb illicit cannabis cultivation, uplift rural communities and strengthen national security. Marwa spoke at a news briefing on Tuesday in Abuja to drum up support for the first in Africa drug control initiative, whose pilot scheme was launched in three cannabis growing communities in Ondo State last week.
While explaining the alternative development strategy of drug control, the NDLEA boss said the concept goes far beyond crop substitution, stressing that its wider benefits included strengthening rural economies. These, he said, were through value-chain development, reducing the burden on law enforcement and the justice system, promoting peace and social cohesion in previously crime-prone areas.
This, he added, also includes supporting national food production and agricultural diversification, improving Nigeria’s international standing in global drug control and development cooperation.According to him, this approach represents a win-win solution for communities, for the government, and for national security.
“The successful take off of the pilot scheme in Ilu Abo, Ifon, and Eleyewo in Ondo State last week clearly demonstrates that alternative development works when communities are engaged, supported, and empowered. We, therefore, call for a strong national response and sustained support from all stakeholders across all layers of government.
“We call on traditional rulers and community leaders, development partners and donor agencies, the private sector and agricultural value-chain actors as well as civil society organisations and the media.” Marwa also urged communities across the country, particularly those affected by illicit drug cultivation, to embrace the model and work with the NDLEA in building lawful, productive, and secure livelihoods.
He reiterated that the alternative development programme was not just a drug control initiative, adding that it was a people-centred development intervention designed to uplift communities, strengthen national security, and secure Nigeria’s future. The NDLEA Chairman assured that the agency remained fully committed to expanding the programme nationwide, in partnership with all stakeholders interconnected, hinting at organised networks that not only supply domestic demand but also facilitate trafficking beyond Nigeria’s borders,” he said.
Painting a grim picture of the challenge, Marwa said that the social and public health implications were stark with youth and adults alike turning to habitual cannabis use often initiated in late adolescence. “This also includes increased dependency, and cascading social harms, lost productivity, crime, and the burden on overstretched healthcare systems.
“More revealing is the fact that out of a total of 15 million kilograms of assorted illicit drugs seized by NDLEA in the past five years, over 75 percent of them are cannabis. “Just imagine the harm that quantity would have done to our youths, public health and national security,” he said.
Marwa however, expressed confidence that the alternative development initiative would reverse the trend if given strong national response and sustained support. This, he said, was because it’s fully aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“This pilot project was flagged off with the invaluable support of several global institutions and partners, including the UNODC, the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Global Partnership on Drug Policies and Development (GPDPD), Berlin, Germany.
“Other supporters are Mae Fah Luang Foundation under Royal Patronage (MFLF), Bangkok, Thailand; as well as support from friendly countries and development partners committed to sustainable livelihoods and community resilience. “Also including friends and partners who participated virtually from Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Germany, Thailand, Peru, Colombia, Brazil, Mexico, Netherlands, Myanmar, Bhutan, Laos, Afghanistan, Iran, and Guatemala.
“Also significant was the presence and support of Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Ayedatiwa and the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, who was ably represented by the Regional Director South-West, Mrs Alao Temitayo,” he said. (NAN)
