The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), has said the newly introduced Alternative Development Project is designed to transform illicit cannabis farms into productive food and cash crop plantations, while ending decades of conflict between law enforcement agencies and drug cultivators.
Marwa made this known on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at a town hall meeting in Akure, Ondo State, during the official launch of the Alternative Development Pilot Project in Nigeria. The event brought together national stakeholders, community leaders, and international partners.
Among those in attendance were Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Ayedatiwa; United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Country Representative, Mr. Cheikh Toure; Head of Project, Global Partnership on Drug Policies and Development, Ms. Sarah David; UNODC Global Coordinator, Mr. Thierry Rostan; Dr. Tahirou Abdoulaye of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA); and representatives of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
In his keynote address, Marwa described illicit drug cultivation as a serious security, economic, and social challenge but said it also presented an opportunity for sustainable transformation.
“This town hall meeting is designed for us to rub minds, work together, and agree on a friendly, community-centered approach to tackle illicit drugs and related environmental crimes. We are not here to talk at you, but to talk with you and build lasting solutions,” he said.
He stressed that the initiative aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by promoting food security, job creation, and rural development.
Marwa noted that drug trafficking and abuse are closely linked to insecurity in the country, including terrorism, banditry, and organized crime.
“We know the nexus between drug use, trafficking, and criminal activities. They use drugs to carry out their operations and sell drugs to fund them,” he stated.
According to him, the Alternative Development Project focused on crop substitution, empowerment, and community ownership, rather than punishment and confrontation.
“We want to establish sustainable livelihoods, ensure a smooth transition from illicit cropping to food production, and promote inclusiveness. This project belongs to the people, and its success depends on your commitment,” he said.
He explained that only communities willing to abandon cannabis cultivation and embrace legal farming would benefit from the programme.
“There are high-value crops such as Artemisia annua and other food and cash crops that are more profitable and beneficial than cannabis. This project is about empowerment, not enforcement,” Marwa added.
The NDLEA boss also assured participants that the initiative would not be used as a trap for arrests or intimidation.
“Alternative Development is not a deceptive tool. It is about partnership. From today, we are no longer enemies. We are friends and partners in progress,” he declared.
He disclosed that three communities in Ondo State would serve as pioneers for the pilot phase, after which the programme would be reviewed and expanded nationwide.
Marwa further lamented that despite the huge profits generated in the drug trade, cultivating communities remain poor and vulnerable.
“While kingpins prosper elsewhere, these communities are left with poverty, soil degradation, and insecurity. Our focus is to change this narrative,” he said.
In his remarks, Governor Ayedatiwa described the project as timely and laudable, pledging the full support of the Ondo State Government.
“I assure the NDLEA of our continued cooperation. We will work with traditional institutions, religious bodies, civil society organizations, and the private sector to strengthen prevention, rehabilitation, and reintegration efforts,” the governor said.
He promised to allocate land, clear farmlands, and provide seeds and seedlings to support farmers participating in the programme.
Charging the youth to reject drug abuse, Ayedatiwa urged them to embrace hard work, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
“You have a great future ahead. Say no to drugs and take advantage of government intervention programmes to build meaningful lives,” he advised.
Speaking on behalf of traditional institutions, the Chairman of the Ondo State Traditional Rulers Council and Olowo of Owo Kingdom, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, expressed strong support for the initiative.
He commended Marwa for repositioning the NDLEA into a result-oriented agency and urged youths to key into the programme.
“There is no alternative to this initiative. It is better to embrace legal opportunities than face the consequences of drug cultivation. We assure the NDLEA of our partnership,” the monarch said.
The Alternative Development Project is expected to promote sustainable agriculture, improve rural livelihoods, reduce drug-related crimes, enhance food production, and strengthen collaboration between government agencies and host communities.
With the Ondo pilot scheme now underway, the NDLEA said it is optimistic that the initiative will become a model for addressing illicit drug cultivation and rural poverty across Nigeria.
