By Rhoda Godwin
Abuja — Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), has called for a strong national response and sustained multi-stakeholder support for Nigeria’s Alternative Development initiative, following the successful launch of a pilot scheme in Ondo State.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday to rally support for the programme, Marwa said the initiative—launched last week in three cannabis-growing communities of Ilu Abo, Ifon and Eleyewo—goes far beyond crop substitution. He stressed that the model addresses the root causes of illicit cultivation by providing viable economic alternatives and strengthening community resilience.
According to him, the wider benefits of the programme include strengthening rural economies through value-chain development, reducing the burden on law enforcement and the justice system, promoting peace and social cohesion in areas previously prone to crime, supporting national food production and agricultural diversification, and improving Nigeria’s international standing in global drug control and development cooperation.
“This approach represents a win-win solution—for communities, for government, and for national security,” Marwa said. “The successful take-off of the pilot scheme in Ilu Abo, Ifon, and Eleyewo in Ondo State clearly demonstrates that alternative development works when communities are engaged, supported, and empowered.”
The NDLEA boss explained that the initiative aligns with global best practices and the United Nations’ framework on alternative development, which emphasises inclusive growth, livelihood support and long-term sustainability as tools for addressing illicit drug cultivation.
Marwa noted that early outcomes from the Ondo pilot indicate strong community buy-in, improved trust between residents and authorities, and growing interest in legal agricultural value chains capable of delivering sustainable income.
He, however, emphasised that scaling the programme nationwide would require coordinated action and long-term commitment. “We therefore call for a strong national response and sustained support from all stakeholders across all layers of government, traditional rulers and community leaders, development partners and donor agencies, the private sector and agricultural value-chain actors, as well as civil society organisations and the media,” he said.
Marwa added that with adequate investment and policy backing, the Alternative Development initiative could become a cornerstone of Nigeria’s drug control strategy while advancing rural development, food security and national stability.
The NDLEA said it would continue to monitor and evaluate the pilot scheme, with plans to expand to other affected communities across the country based on lessons learned.
