STOP DESTROYING CANNABIS FARMS, SOWORE TELLS NDLEA

Human rights activist and African Action Congress presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has criticised the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency over its destruction of cannabis farms in Edo State.

Sowore argued that destroying cannabis plantations wastes potential economic opportunities, particularly at a time when Nigeria is facing significant economic challenges.

He made the comments after the NDLEA reported the destruction of two cannabis plantations in Edo State with an estimated yield of 4,628.9 kilogrammes of cannabis. The agency also said 10 suspected drug traffickers were arrested in separate operations across the state.

Sowore called for the legalisation and regulation of cannabis cultivation, arguing that a controlled framework could allow Nigeria to explore its potential medicinal and industrial applications.

He also urged the government to invest in research and develop policies that could create jobs, generate revenue, and support legitimate economic activity.

The NDLEA, however, said the destruction of the farms was part of its ongoing operations to dismantle illicit drug cultivation and trafficking locations across the country.

The agency said the two plantations were located in Ugboku, Igbanke Forest, in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State.

The debate highlights differing views over Nigeria’s approach to cannabis, with advocates of regulation pointing to potential economic and industrial uses, while drug-control authorities continue to focus on preventing illicit cultivation and trafficking.

Sowore maintained that the government should reconsider its current approach and explore a regulated framework that could address public safety concerns while allowing potential legitimate uses of the plant to be studied.