Agric Ministry Partners NDLEA On Rehabilitation Of Drug Users

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has pledged to support the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in rehabilitating drug users by providing agricultural opportunities as an alternative to illicit drug production. The Minister of Agriculture, Abubakar Kyari, emphasized the importance of preventing relapse among drug users through rehabilitation and creating legitimate sources of income.

The NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, highlighted the link between drug control and national security, seeking collaboration with the Ministry to address the drug scourge in Nigeria. The initiative includes the Alternative Development project, which aims to persuade cannabis growers to switch to cultivating licit crops, such as artemisia annua, to generate income.

The partnership also involves integrating individuals undergoing rehabilitation into agricultural programs to prevent relapse and promote livelihoods. Both parties agreed to establish a technical committee to further develop the collaboration.