……………National and International partners unite for crop substitution at the launch of the Ondo State Alternative Development Project.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) is turning the tide in Nigeria’s drug war by offering a new path for illicit crop growers. Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) explained that the Alternative Development Project replaces the cycle of raids and arrests with sustainable economic opportunities. By transitioning cannabis farmers to legitimate high-value crops, this initiative secures stable livelihoods and strengthens food security, directly advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ vision for a safer, prosperous nation.
According to a statement released on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, by Femi Babafemi, Director of Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) has officially launched the Alternative Development Pilot Project. During a high-level town hall in Akure, Ondo State, Gen. Marwa convened a global coalition—including Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and top UNODC officials—to establish a unified front for transitioning illicit cannabis growers into Nigeria’s legitimate agricultural economy
Delivering the keynote address, Brig. Gen. Marwa (Retd) characterized the surge in illicit drug cultivation as a critical national challenge. However, he emphasized his firm belief that this crisis presents a unique opportunity for stakeholders to unite and implement a definitive, lasting solution.
“This town hall meeting is designed for us to rub minds, work together, and agree on a friendly, community-centered approach to tackle the challenges of illicit drugs and related environmental crimes. We are not here to talk at you. We are here to talk with you. From this engagement, we look forward to sustainable commitments that will lead to a permanent exit from the world of illicit drugs.”
Marwa reminded the gathering that the crisis of drug trafficking and abuse is not just a health issue, but a critical security concern. Underscoring the gravity of the situation, he stated:
“We know the nexus between drug use, trafficking, and criminalities, Boko Haram, banditry, terrorism, etc. They use drugs before carrying out their nefarious activities and sell drugs to raise funds.”
Without mincing words, he told the audience that “we are here to build a robust community network to support the Alternative Development project; to locate and establish alternatives to illicit cropping; we want to establish with your cooperation, structures for sustainable livelihoods, ensuring a smooth transition from illicit cropping to food security; in tandem with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President. We will promote inclusivity by ensuring that illicit croppers, vulnerable individuals, and all community stakeholders are active participants in this implementation; we want to ensure project ownership, because this initiative belongs to you, the people, as well as ensuring its long-term sustainability.”
While bridging the gap between enforcement and empowerment, the NDLEA boss noted that this project offers a lifeline to growers. However, he maintained that the offer is contingent upon a community’s willingness to abandon illicit crops in favor of legal, high-value alternatives
“There is a wide range of licit cash and food crops such as Artemisia Annua, which has a higher financial value than cannabis, in addition to other beneficial properties in the cure of malaria, and other ailments”, he added.
Marwa further emphasized that the core of Alternative Development lies in sustainable empowerment, providing a constructive path forward that transcends mere law enforcement “We want to facilitate a total shift from illicit cropping to massive food and cash crop production. We must face the hard truth: illicit drugs generate large financial profits, but this wealth rarely reflects in the communities where these drugs are grown. While the kingpins prosper elsewhere, the cultivating communities are often left with poverty, soil degradation, and insecurity. Our primary focus, therefore, is the Crop Substitution Programme.”
Dispelling fears of enforcement traps, Marwa emphasized that Alternative Development is a bridge to prosperity, not a bait for arrests. Assuring farmers of their safety, he said:
‘’I call on the entire cultivating communities: our royal fathers, religious leaders, community leaders, market men and women, teachers, our vibrant youth and women groups and indeed all stakeholders to support this initiative. We need you to form community groups to fight illicit cropping and trafficking from within.”
“To the cooperating communities, from today, we are no longer ‘enemies’ as you might have once perceived us. We are friends. We are partners in progress. Let us sustain this friendship by working hand-in-hand to build drug-free, prosperous, and healthy communities in Ondo State. So, we are here to discuss how to make the Alternative Development Initiative work. Our plan is for this to spread throughout Nigeria. But today, we are launching the pilot project in Ondo State with three pioneering communities. We will then make an assessment and thereafter make recommendations to the Federal Government”, the NDLEA boss stated.
In his remarks, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa lauded the project as a landmark development for the state. He expressed his gratitude to Gen. Marwa for selecting Ondo State to host the pilot scheme and declared the state government’s full commitment to the initiative’s success.
“I therefore wish to use this opportunity to assure the NDLEA of the continued support and cooperation of Ondo State government under my leadership towards stemming the tide of drug abuse here in Ondo State and in Nigeria at large. We will continue to strengthen collaboration with relevant stakeholders like yours, just as you have mentioned that it is time to dialogue, to collaborate. Traditional institutions, religious bodies that are ably represented here, civil society organizations, I could see some of the leaders, community leaders, and the private sector to expand awareness, promote prevention, and support rehabilitation and reintegration effort for affected individuals”, the governor said.
In a powerful charge to the youth, the Governor called for a total rejection of illicit drug culture, advocating for the ‘New Hope’ of sustainable empowerment presented by this landmark initiative, “For us, we are ready to allocate land, and do clearing, provide seed and seedlings to support this initiative. As the pillar of growth and development in society, we shall continue to promote your interests as youth and champion your welfare. This is already evident in our various policies and programmes. As youth, you have a great future ahead of you, and for you to fulfill your potential and attain your desired goal, you must say no to drugs. You must avail yourselves of the various intervention programmes of government at all levels and embrace hard work, innovation, entrepreneurship, and become ambassadors of positive change in our community”, he added.
Representing the state’s traditional institutions, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Traditional Rulers and the Olowo of Owo, pledged his full support for the initiative. The monarch lauded the NDLEA Chairman for his visionary leadership, noting the Agency’s remarkable transformation into a high-impact, result-oriented organization.
“We urge our youths to key into this programme. There’s no alternative to it, because we know the consequences of cannabis cultivation and all other drugs. It is better to have opportunities that are legally available in the land. Let me assure the NDLEA of our support, of our partnership in this option that is available”, the royal father stated
