The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Buba Marwa (rtd.), has warned that drug abuse remains a major national concern, revealing that an estimated 15 million Nigerians aged between 15 and 64 are involved in illicit drug use.
Marwa described the figure as disturbing, noting that it is almost three times higher than the global average. According to him, the data indicates that one out of every seven Nigerians within the productive age group consumes illegal drugs, a trend he said poses serious social and security risks.
The NDLEA boss made the disclosure during a courtesy visit to Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, at the Government House in Akure. He explained that Ondo State plays a significant role in cannabis production due to its favourable climate and fertile soil, which has made the state a major cultivation hub.
Presenting statistics from the 2018 United Nations drug use survey, Marwa stated that drug use prevalence in Ondo State stands at 17 per cent, representing about 400,000 users. He compared this with Lagos State, which has a prevalence rate of 33 per cent and approximately two million users, and Oyo State, with 24 per cent prevalence.
Marwa emphasized that widespread drug abuse has deeply damaged families and communities, while also fueling criminal activities. He noted that intelligence reports have linked terrorist groups and kidnappers to cannabis-producing forest communities, where access to drugs is easy and concealment is possible.
Highlighting enforcement efforts, Marwa disclosed that the NDLEA Ondo State Command recorded 336 arrests in 2025, seized over 22,000 kilograms of illicit drugs, secured 62 convictions, and destroyed more than 207,000 kilograms of cannabis from farms and plantations. He added that 243 individuals also received treatment at the agency’s counselling and rehabilitation centre in the state.
Nationally, Marwa said the NDLEA has seized 15,000 tonnes of illicit substances over the past five years, with over 75 per cent being cannabis. He described cannabis as the most widely abused drug in Nigeria, accounting for nearly three-quarters of total drug consumption.
The NDLEA Chairman also revealed that the agency has commissioned the Nigerian Academy of Science to carry out scientific research on cannabis-derived oil for possible medical use. He stressed that any move toward regulated cultivation or export would be based strictly on credible scientific evidence.
To complement enforcement, Marwa explained that the NDLEA has set up an Alternative Development Unit to work with cannabis-growing communities, encouraging them to abandon illegal crops for legitimate agricultural activities. The initiative focuses on community development, access to farm inputs, infrastructure, healthcare, education, and viable markets.
Ondo State has been selected as a pilot location for the programme after sustained engagement with local communities. Marwa praised the state government for its support, including the establishment of a State Drug Control Committee, plans for expansion to local councils, and financial and operational backing for the NDLEA command.
In response, Governor Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the NDLEA and applauded Marwa for personally overseeing the Alternative Development Programme. He described the hands-on approach as a clear sign of dedication to tackling drug cultivation, trafficking, and abuse.
The governor also pointed out that Ondo State is a major producer of lawful agricultural commodities such as cocoa, attributing this to its rich soil and vast forest resources. While acknowledging that some individuals engage in illegal cultivation, he maintained that the majority of residents are law-abiding.
Aiyedatiwa further advocated for regulated cannabis cultivation for medical purposes, citing global trends and approvals in other countries. He noted that cannabis oil is among the most valuable oils worldwide and urged the NDLEA to fast-track its research and share findings that could guide policy decisions in the state.
