The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has
destroyed 3,900 hectares of cannabis sativa in Ondo state as
evidence of its opposition to the legalisation of the plant.
Rotimi Akeredolu, Ondo governor, had said that the state could
diversify its economy by tapping into the marijuana market.
Akeredolu had explained in a tweet that with an estimated value
of $145 billion in 2025, the state would be shortchanging itself if
it ignores the marijuana business.
In a statement released on Monday, Muhammad Abdallah, NDLEA
chairman, also refuted reports that he visited Thailand with
Akeredolu to learn more about extracting cannabis for economic
gains.
He said the NDLEA never advocated the growth of cannabis sativa
for medicinal purpose or economic gain, saying that Nigeria’s
opposition to legalising cannabis still stands.
“My attention has been drawn to the misinformation that the Ondo
State Governor and I were in the Republic of Thailand to learn how
to grow cannabis sativa for medicinal purpose or economic gain,” he
said.
“This is far from the truth. At no point did I make any remark
in favour of the commercial and medicinal value or monetary gain of
cannabis.
“The purpose of the visit to Thailand is to understudy how the
country has successfully migrated some of her citizens hitherto
engaged in illicit plant cultivation to the cultivation of
legitimate economic crops and other lawful businesses.
“The NDLEA under my leadership has been consistent in our
opposition to legalisation and decriminalisation of cannabis.
“For example, Operation Thunderstorm undertaken by the Ondo
State Command of the NDLEA destroyed 3,900.73 hectares of cannabis
sativa planted in forest reserves.”
It should be remembered that Shehu Sani, senator-representing
Kaduna-central, had advised Akeredolu to shift attention to
partnering with other states for the production of ginger, beans
and yam.
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