NDLEA Launches Alternative Development Pilot Project to End Illicit Drug Cultivation in Nigeria

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has unveiled the Alternative Development Pilot Project aimed at ending illicit drug cultivation in Nigeria.

The Agency expressed confidence that the introduction of the project would bring an end to the age-long battle between law enforcement and illicit drug producers, while also offering them sustainable livelihoods that would ensure food security in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The initiative was unveiled at a town hall meeting held in Akure, Ondo State, on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. The event attracted the physical and virtual presence of national stakeholders and international partners, including the Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, senior officials of his government; the Country Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Mr. Cheikh Toure; and the Head of Project, Global Partnership on Drug Policies and Development, Berlin, Germany, Ms. Sarah David.

Others in attendance included the Global Coordinator, Alternative Development/Sustainable Livelihoods, UNODC Vienna, Austria, Mr. Thierry Rostan; Dr. Tahirou Abdoulaye of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture; as well as a representative of the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari.

In his keynote address, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), acknowledged that illicit drug cultivation remains a significant challenge but expressed optimism that within every challenge lies a unique opportunity to unite and find a lasting solution.

“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. 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,” Marwa stated.

While reminding the gathering about the huge challenge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking Nigeria faces as well as the impact of that on security, he said: “We know the nexus between drug use, trafficking and criminalities, Boko Haram, banditry, terrorism, etc. They use drugs before carrying out their nefarious activities and sell drugs to raise funds.

“We are here to build a robust community network to support the Alternative Development project; to locate and establish alternatives to illicit cropping; we want to establish with your cooperation, structures for sustainable livelihoods, ensuring a smooth transition from illicit cropping to food security; in tandem with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President.

“We will promote inclusivity, by ensuring that illicit croppers, vulnerable individuals, and all community stakeholders are active participants in this implementation; we want to ensure project ownership, because this initiative belongs to you, the people, as well as ensuring its long-term sustainability.”

Marwa stressed that the project will provide an opportunity for engagement between the NDLEA and communities involved in illicit cropping, adding that the offer is only open to communities that are willing and sincere in moving away from illicit cultivation of crops such as cannabis and adopting the cultivation of licit crops.

“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, and other ailments,” he disclosed.

The NDLEA boss explained that Alternative Development (AD) focuses on empowerment rather than enforcement.

“We want to facilitate a total shift from illicit cropping to massive food and cash crop production. We must face the hard truth: illicit drugs generate large financial profits, but this wealth rarely reflects in the communities where these drugs are grown. While the kingpins prosper elsewhere, the cultivating communities are often left with poverty, soil degradation, and insecurity. Our primary focus therefore is the Crop Substitution Programme,” he remarked.

He assured that AD will not be used as a deceptive tool to arrest or detain anyone, saying: “I call on the entire cultivating communities: our royal fathers, religious leaders, community leaders, market men and women, teachers, our vibrant youth and women groups and indeed all stakeholders to support this initiative. We need you to form community groups to fight illicit cropping and trafficking from within.

“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. Let us sustain this friendship by working hand-in-hand to build drug-free, prosperous, and healthy communities in Ondo State. So, we are here to discuss how to make the Alternative Development Initiative work.”

He added: “Our plan is for this to spread throughout Nigeria. But today we are launching the pilot project in Ondo State with three pioneering communities. We will then make an assessment and thereafter make recommendations to the Federal Government.”

In his remarks, Governor Aiyedatiwa said that the project is a welcome development and expressed appreciation to Marwa for starting the pilot scheme in Ondo State.

He declared full support for the initiative, saying: “I therefore wish to use this opportunity to assure the NDLEA of the continued support and cooperation of Ondo State government under my leadership towards stemming the tide of drug abuse here in Ondo State and in Nigeria at large.

“We will continue to strengthen collaboration with relevant stakeholders like yours, just as you have mentioned that it is time to dialogue, to collaborate. Traditional institutions, religious bodies that are ably represented here, civil society organizations, I could see some of the leaders, community leaders, and the private sector to expand awareness, promote prevention, and support rehabilitation and reintegration effort for affected individuals.”

He urged the youth to eschew drug abuse and embrace the alternative approach presented by the NDLEA.

The governor continued: “For us, we are ready to allocate land, and do clearing, provide seed and seedlings to support this initiative. As the pillar of growth and development in the society, we shall continue to promote your interest as youth and champion your welfare. This is already evident in our various policies and programmes.

“As youth, you have a great future ahead of you, and for you to fulfill your potential and attain your desired goal, you must say no to drugs. You must avail yourselves of the various intervention programmes of government at all levels and embrace hard work, innovation, entrepreneurship, and become ambassadors of positive change in our community.”

Speaking on behalf of traditional institutions in the state, the Chairman of the Ondo State traditional rulers council and Olowo of Owo kingdom, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye 111 expressed support for the initiative.

Oba Ogunoye commended the NDLEA boss for transforming the Agency into a result-oriented organisation.

The royal father further stated: “We urge our youths to key into this programme. There’s no alternative to it, because we know the consequences of cannabis cultivation and all other drugs. It is better to have opportunities that are legally available in the land. Let me assure the NDLEA of our support, of our partnership in this option that is available.”