Neglecting Drug Abuse Could Jeopardise Nigeria’s Future Leadership—Agriculture Minister Warns

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has pledged his ministry’s full support to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in its ongoing drug control efforts..

This support will focus on creating alternative livelihoods for illicit drug producers and providing agricultural opportunities for drug users undergoing rehabilitation, aiming to prevent relapse.

Senator Kyari made this commitment during a meeting in Abuja on Thursday with the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), and members of his management team.

He emphasised the urgency of addressing drug abuse, warning that a failure to do so by all stakeholders could result in Nigeria producing criminals instead of the next generation of leaders.

Earlier, Brig. Gen. Marwa highlighted the link between drug control and national security, emphasising that both are central to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which also prioritizes food security.

He explained that the NDLEA sought collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to tackle the pervasive drug problem in Nigeria.

He cited alarming statistics, noting that of the 14.3 million drug users in the country, 10.6 million abuse cannabis, making it the most commonly abused substance.

“Cannabis is consumed in various ways, not just smoked,” Marwa explained.

“It’s used in soups, mixed with hot drinks to make ‘monkey tail,’ and consumed in countless other forms. We make arrests every week, yet the practice continues because of the substantial profits involved.

“Therefore, we’ve decided to implement a more sustainable solution: an Alternative Development program.”

The Alternative Development program aims to persuade cannabis growers to transition to legitimate and licit crops, providing them with a stable and legal income.

This shift would alleviate the constant fear of arrest and allow them to live respectable lives within their communities.

The United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs supports this initiative. However, incentives are crucial to encourage cannabis growers to adopt alternative crops.

Marwa revealed that he had already engaged with some cannabis growers to discuss the program and that their willingness to meet was a positive sign.

“We need the ministry’s support to provide inputs like seedlings, tractors, water, fertilizers, and chemicals,” Marwa stated.

“We’re exploring options like food crops and Artemisia annua (sweet wormwood), a plant with the potential to generate $100 billion annually for the country, as its derivative is used to treat malaria.

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) has confirmed successful trials of this crop across Nigeria.”

Marwa further proposed integrating individuals leaving NDLEA rehabilitation facilities into agricultural programs, providing them with livelihoods to prevent relapse.

“When individuals complete drug treatment and rehabilitation, they become responsible and functional members of society.

“However, returning them to the same environment that fostered their drug abuse puts them at risk of relapse,” Marwa explained. “We hope the ministry can assist us in assimilating them into agricultural programs with relevant incentives, enabling them to be gainfully employed.”

In response, Minister Kyari acknowledged the correlation between drug abuse and criminality, reiterating his warning that failure to act could lead to Nigeria producing criminals instead of future leaders.

“We must join hands in this collaborative effort, aligning with President Tinubu’s mandate to achieve food security, employment, job creation, and improved livelihoods, while also ensuring the inclusion of youth and women in agriculture and access to capital and credit,” Kyari stated.

“I express our commitment to this Alternative Development initiative. Regarding your rehabilitation centers, we will collaborate with you to provide livelihood support, including tools and other resources, to those undergoing treatment. We are eager to partner with you in the excellent work you are doing.”

The meeting concluded with an agreement to establish a technical committee to detail the collaboration’s specifics.