By Ameh Gabriel
Marwa, Kyari agree on joint efforts to boost food security, national security, and youth empowerment
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has pledged to collaborate with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to create safe and sustainable alternatives for cannabis farmers, as well as provide livelihood opportunities for drug users undergoing rehabilitation.
This was contained in a statement signed by Femi Babafemi Director, Media & Advocacy NDLEA Headquarters, in Abuja on Friday, 15th August 2025
The statement reads: the Minister of Agriculture, Senator Abubakar Kyari, gave the assurance during a strategic meeting with NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), and his management team in Abuja on Thursday, August 14, 2025.
Marwa, in his remarks, stressed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda places food security and national security at the core of governance, noting that both are interlinked with effective drug control. He revealed that Nigeria currently has 14.3 million drug users, with 10.6 million abusing cannabis alone.
“Cannabis is consumed in multiple forms from smoking to mixing with food and drinks and despite constant arrests, people persist because of the huge financial returns,” Marwa said.
He explained that the NDLEA has developed an Alternative Development Initiative, which seeks to transition cannabis growers into cultivating legitimate crops that offer both income and dignity. “This approach has already gained the support of the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs. But to succeed, we need incentives for farmers seedlings, inputs, tractors, fertilizers, and water supply so they can switch to food and medicinal crops,” he added.
Marwa also highlighted the potential of artemisia annua (sweet wormwood), a plant used in malaria treatment, which could earn Nigeria up to $100 billion annually if cultivated on a large scale. He further appealed for the Ministry’s assistance in integrating rehabilitated drug users into agricultural programmes, stressing that without viable economic engagement, many risk relapsing into drug abuse.
In his response, Minister Kyari expressed full support for the collaboration, acknowledging the strong link between drug abuse, criminality, and socio-economic instability.
“If nothing is done urgently, we risk breeding criminals instead of the next generation of leaders,” Kyari said. “This partnership aligns with President Tinubu’s mandate to achieve food security, create jobs, empower youths and women, and improve livelihoods.”
The minister assured NDLEA of the Ministry’s readiness to provide tools, inputs, and access to agricultural programmes for both alternative farmers and rehabilitated drug users.
The meeting concluded with the agreement to establish a technical committee that will work out detailed modalities for the partnership.
