Abuja, Nigeria — August 15, 2025 | The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has entered into a strategic partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to provide alternative livelihood options for farmers engaged in the cultivation of illicit drugs.
The initiative, unveiled in Abuja, is aimed at curbing the production of prohibited substances such as cannabis by introducing growers to profitable and legal agricultural alternatives. The programme will offer technical support, improved seedlings, and market access to encourage a shift towards legitimate cash and food crops.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, said the collaboration is part of the government’s broader effort to promote food security, diversify the economy, and tackle drug-related crimes from their roots. “We are not only fighting against illicit crops but also ensuring that farmers have viable means to earn a living through legal agriculture,” he noted.
NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), lauded the partnership, describing it as a sustainable approach to reducing drug cultivation. He emphasised that beyond enforcement, economic empowerment is key to breaking the cycle of illicit farming.
The programme will target communities in high-risk cultivation areas, with plans for phased implementation and continuous monitoring to measure its impact on both rural livelihoods and national drug control efforts.
