By Jemimah Onyebuchi, JKNewsMedia Correspondent
THE MINISTRY of Agriculture and Food Security has pledged collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to create sustainable alternatives for illicit drug producers and support the rehabilitation of drug users with agricultural opportunities.
The assurance was given by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, during a meeting with NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retired), at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, 14 August 2025.
Marwa explained that the meeting was convened to explore areas of cooperation that align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasises food security and national security.
He stated that drug control is central to addressing security concerns, noting that both issues are interlinked.
He highlighted that of the 14.3 million drug users in Nigeria, 10.6 million abuse cannabis, making it the most widely misused substance in the country.
According to Marwa, NDLEA has introduced an Alternative Development project aimed at persuading cannabis growers to transition to licit and profitable crops.
He disclosed that the initiative had already secured the support of the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs.
“For us to convince cannabis growers to stop cultivating the illicit crop, there must be incentives,” Marwa said.
He revealed that consultations with cannabis-growing communities had shown positive responses to the idea, with farmers willing to engage if provided with inputs such as seedlings, fertilisers, tractors, and water resources.
The NDLEA chairman pointed to the potential cultivation of artemisia annua, commonly known as sweet wormwood, which is used in the production of anti-malarial drugs.
He noted that trials confirmed by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) showed promising results. Marwa stressed that the crop could generate as much as $100 billion annually for Nigeria if fully harnessed, making it a viable alternative for farmers currently engaged in cannabis cultivation.
He further emphasised the importance of creating agricultural pathways for individuals leaving rehabilitation centres. Marwa said that without livelihood support, rehabilitated individuals risked relapsing into drug use.
“If you can assist us so that at the end of their rehabilitation, they can be assimilated into agricultural programmes with incentives, they will be gainfully engaged,” he told the minister.
Responding, Senator Kyari acknowledged the direct link between drug abuse and criminality, warning that failure to act could undermine national development.
He said the partnership would address not only food security but also employment, job creation, and social inclusion.
“This is the collaborative effort that President Tinubu has mandated us to pursue.
We are committed to supporting the Alternative Development initiative and integrating rehabilitated individuals into agricultural projects with livelihood support,” he assured.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to establish a technical committee that will define the modalities of the collaboration between the ministry and the NDLEA.
