Agriculture Ministry, NDLEA Partner on Alternatives to Illicit Drugs, Rehab Support
…as Marwa, Kyari discuss collaboration to boost food and national security
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has pledged his ministry’s support for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in tackling drug abuse, offering alternatives to illicit drug cultivation, and integrating rehabilitated drug users into agricultural programmes.
Kyari gave the assurance on Thursday, August 14, 2025, during a meeting in Abuja with NDLEA Chairman/CEO, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), and senior officials from both agencies.
Marwa stressed that drug control is essential to achieving the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which prioritises both food and national security. He revealed that out of Nigeria’s 14.3 million drug users, 10.6 million abuse cannabis — consumed in various forms — making it the country’s most abused drug.
To address the problem at its root, Marwa said NDLEA is introducing an Alternative Development programme to encourage cannabis farmers to switch to legal, high-value crops. He noted that the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs supports the initiative, and that incentives such as seeds, tractors, and fertilizers from the ministry would be crucial to its success. Among the proposed replacements is artemisia annua (sweet wormwood), a plant used in malaria treatment that could generate up to $100 billion annually for Nigeria.
Marwa also proposed agricultural placements for individuals completing NDLEA rehabilitation programmes to help them earn a livelihood and avoid relapse.
In response, Kyari acknowledged the link between drug abuse and criminality, warning that inaction could worsen social instability. He pledged full cooperation, citing the initiative’s alignment with government goals of food security, job creation, youth and women empowerment, and improved livelihoods.
Both parties agreed to establish a technical committee to work out the collaboration’s details.
