The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig- Gen Mohamed Marwa (rtd), has called for a strong national response and sustained support for the alternative development programme recently initiated by the Agency to curb illicit cannabis cultivation, uplift rural communities and strengthen 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. “They have openly stated that this programme has renewed their hope in Nigeria and restored their confidence in government. The NDLEA boss said the dire reality of illicit cannabis cultivation and use in Nigeria made the Agency to look beyond law enforcement and consider a United Nations endorsed alternative to solving the cannabis conundrum. “Field assessments focusing on high-risk areas in the South West reveal that nearly 8,900 hectares of land are under cannabis cultivation, often hidden deep within forests and remote regions.

Source: Nigerian Tribune February 03, 2026 12:59 UTC