The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) and rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, has called on the Federal Government to reconsider its approach to cannabis cultivation in Nigeria, arguing that the crop could provide significant economic opportunities if properly regulated.
Sowore’s call came hours after the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) disclosed that its operatives had destroyed two cannabis plantations measuring 1.85 hectares and containing an estimated 4,628.98 kilogrammes of cannabis during separate operations in Edo State.
According to the anti-drug agency, the operations were aimed at curbing drug trafficking and dismantling illicit drug locations nationwide.
However, in a statement issued on Tuesday, the Sahara Reporters publisher criticised the NDLEA for destroying cannabis farms, saying the practice amounted to a waste of potentially valuable agricultural and economic resources at a time when many Nigerians were struggling with poverty.
“Wake up, put on uniforms, march into farms, and set economically viable crops worth millions of dollars ablaze while your country is drowning in multidimensional poverty. Stop destroying cannabis farms. Stop wasting enormous economic opportunities in the name of a failed and outdated policy,” the presidential candidate said.
Sowore urged the government to stop destroying cannabis farms and instead legalise and properly regulate the cultivation and use of cannabis for legitimate purposes.
According to him, Nigeria should invest in cannabis-related research and explore its medicinal and industrial applications to create jobs, generate government revenue and develop an industry capable of contributing to the country’s economy.
He argued that continued reliance on what he described as a failed and outdated policy would prevent Nigeria from harnessing the potential economic benefits of cannabis.
Sowore maintained that the country could not address widespread poverty by destroying economically viable agricultural opportunities, calling for a policy shift towards regulation, research and responsible utilisation of cannabis.
“Legalise and properly regulate cannabis. Invest in research, harness its legitimate medicinal and industrial potential, create jobs, generate revenue, and build an industry Nigerians can benefit from. You cannot burn your way out of poverty, foolish people,” he added.