NDLEA and Ministry of Agriculture collaboration to offer farmers alternatives and support rehab patients through agriculture gains ministerial backing

NDLEA and Ministry of Agriculture collaboration efforts have received a boost as Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, pledged full support for initiatives aimed at curbing drug abuse through alternative livelihoods and rehabilitation programmes.

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The pledge came during a meeting in Abuja with NDLEA Chairman Brig Gen Mohamed Marwa (Rtd), who sought the ministry’s backing for the agency’s Alternative Development project.

The initiative aims to persuade cannabis growers to switch to legal crops, including the high-value artemisia annua plant, projected to potentially generate \$100 billion annually for Nigeria.

Marwa stressed that tackling drug production and abuse is key to national security, noting that 10.6 million Nigerians abuse cannabis.

He highlighted plans to provide inputs such as seedlings, tractors, and fertilizers to incentivise farmers to transition to legal agriculture.

The partnership will also create pathways for individuals completing rehabilitation to join agricultural programmes, ensuring sustainable livelihoods and reducing relapse rates.

Kyari affirmed the ministry’s readiness to provide tools, training, and inclusion in youth and women-focused agricultural schemes.

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Both parties agreed to form a technical committee to outline the collaboration’s operational details.