In a strategic shift from traditional enforcement to community empowerment, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), has launched a pilot “Alternative Development Project” aimed at transitioning illicit cannabis growers toward sustainable, legal livelihoods.
Speaking on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at a town hall meeting in Akure, Ondo State, Marwa explained that the initiative is designed to end the “age-long battle” between law enforcement and drug producers.
The project aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda by focusing on food security and poverty alleviation in communities traditionally tied to the drug trade.
“This town hall meeting is designed for us to rub minds, work together, and agree on a friendly, community-centred approach to tackle the challenges of illicit drugs and related environmental crimes,” Marwa told the gathering of international partners, state officials, and residents. “We are not here to talk at you. We are here to talk with you. From this engagement, we look forward to sustainable commitments that will lead to a permanent exit from the world of illicit drugs.”
The NDLEA boss emphasised that while drug kingpins often prosper, the cultivating communities are left to deal with soil degradation, insecurity, and poverty. He noted that the agency is now prioritising a “Crop Substitution Programme” over simple arrests.
“Alternative Development is about empowerment as an alternative to enforcement,” Marwa said. “We want to facilitate a total shift from illicit cropping to massive food and cash crop production. There is a wide range of licit cash and food crops, such as Artemisia Annua, which has a higher financial value than cannabis, in addition to other beneficial properties in the cure of malaria.”
Addressing potential fears within these communities, Marwa gave a firm assurance that the program is not a trap. “Alternative Development will not be used as a deceptive tool to arrest or detain anyone,” he promised. “To the cooperating communities, from today, we are no longer ‘enemies’ as you might have once perceived us. We are friends. We are partners in progress.”
Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Ayedatiwa, welcomed the choice of his state for the pilot project and pledged full administrative support, including practical resources for farmers.
“For us, we are ready to allocate land, and do clearing, provide seed and seedlings to support this initiative,” Governor Ayedatiwa announced. He also issued a direct call to the younger generation: “As youth, you have a great future ahead of you, and for you to fulfil your potential and attain your desired goal, you must say no to drugs. You must avail yourselves of the various intervention programmes of the government.”
The traditional institution also signalled its approval through the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III. “We urge our youths to key into this programme. There’s no alternative to it, because we know the consequences of cannabis cultivation,” the monarch stated. “Let me assure the NDLEA of our support, of our partnership in this option that is available.”
The event saw a broad coalition of support, featuring representatives from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. Following the pilot in three pioneer communities in Ondo, the NDLEA plans to assess the results and recommend a nationwide rollout of the program to the Federal Government.
