Agency Calls For National Response Against Illicit Drugs

Chairman 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 recently initiated alternative development programme.

The programme, the Africa Drug Control Initiative, was unveiled to curb illicit cannabis cultivation, lift rural communities and strengthen national security.

At a press conference in Abuja yesterday to drum support for the initiative, which pilot scheme was launched in three cannabis growing communities in Ondo State last week, Marwa said the concept goes far beyond crop substitution, stressing that “its wider benefits include: strengthening rural economies through value-chain development; reducing the burden on law enforcement and the justice system; promoting peace and social cohesion in previously crime-prone areas; supporting national food production and agricultural diversification; improving Nigeria’s international standing in global drug control and development cooperation.”

Marwa further added that, “this approach represents a win-win solution—for communities, for 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 called for a strong national response and sustained support from all stakeholders across all layers of government, 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,” he said.

He 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, noting that “Let me reiterate that the alternative development programme is not just a drug control initiative; it is a people-centered development intervention designed to uplift communities, strengthen national security, and secure Nigeria’s future.”

Marwa reiterated that the NDLEA “remains fully committed to expanding this programme nationwide, in partnership with all stakeholders, as we collectively build a safer, healthier, and more prosperous Nigeria in alignment with the renewed hope agenda of the President Tinubu administration.”

On the successful flag-off of the scheme in Ondo State, Marwa said, “One of the most encouraging outcomes of this pilot project has been the overwhelming acceptance and support expressed by the host communities and their traditional and community leaders. They have openly stated that this programme has renewed their hope in Nigeria and restored their confidence in the government.

“They recognise that alternative development offers a dignified and lawful source of income for farmers; reduction in poverty and vulnerability, especially among rural households; improved food security through the introduction of viable alternative crops; enhanced community stability and safety, as illicit drug cultivation often fuels criminal networks and insecurity.”

He noted that replacing cannabis cultivation with sustainable agricultural and economic opportunities, the programme directly tackles the root causes of drug production rather than merely treating the symptoms.