The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has selected Ondo State to pilot its Alternative Development Programme in a move to transition from burn and destroy tactics to sustainable economic empowerment,
The announcement was made on Monday, during a high-level visit by the NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier-General Mohamed Marwa to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
Marwa presented sobering data regarding Nigeria’s drug landscape, revealing that approximately 15 million Nigerians (aged 15–64) use drugs—nearly triple the global average.
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The situation in the South-West is particularly acute, with Lagos State recording the highest prevalence rate at 33%, representing approximately two million users.
Oyo State follows with a prevalence rate of 24%, while Ondo State records a 17% prevalence, translating to about 400,000 users.
Marwa identified the state as the highest producer of cannabis in Nigeria, citing its fertile soil and favorable climate.
The scale of the problem was underscored by the NDLEA’s 2025 operational report for the state, which recorded the arrest of 336 individuals.
The agency also seized 22,316 kilograms of illicit substances during the period.
In addition, operatives destroyed cannabis plantations, seizing and burning a total of 207,000 kilograms of the drug.
Meanwhile, 243 drug users received treatment at the state counselling centre.
The newly established Alternative Development Unit aims to persuade cannabis-growing communities to switch to legal crops.
Rather than relying solely on enforcement, the agency will provide high-quality farm inputs and infrastructure, essential services like schools and clinics and direct access to legal markets for alternative crops.
“Ondo State has been selected for the pilot study after a year of engagement with these communities,” Marwa stated.
He added that the agency is also commissioning scientific research into cannabis-extracted oil for medicinal use, ensuring any future export policies are strictly evidence-based.
Responding to the initiative, Aiyedatiwa praised the NDLEA for its holistic approach.
He welcomed the idea of a state-level Alternative Development Unit, suggesting it be integrated into the Governor’s Office in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture.
The governor highlighted that Ondo is already a powerhouse in legitimate agriculture, noting that the state’s “Tomato Revolution” now supplies 40% of the tomatoes in Lagos markets.
He also pointed to the “Youth on Ridges” programme, which has cleared 5,000 hectares for cocoa cultivation.
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“We advocate for the controlled cultivation of cannabis for medicinal purposes,” Aiyedatiwa remarked, urging the NDLEA to expedite its studies.
“Cannabis oil is among the most expensive oils traded globally, and with our fertile soil, we should look toward its legal, medicinal benefits.”
The meeting concluded with a commitment to deepen community engagement through traditional rulers and religious institutions to drive the behavioral change necessary for the program’s success.
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