The National Drug Law Enforcement
Agency (NDLEA) says it has destroyed 3,900 hectares of cannabis sativa in Ondo
state as evidence of its opposition to the legalisation of the plant.
Rotimi Akeredolu, Ondo governor,
had said that the state could diversify its economy by tapping into the
marijuana market.
Akeredolu explained in a tweet
that with an estimated value of $145 billion in 2025, the state would be
shortchanging itself if it ignores the marijuana business.
In a statement released on
Monday, Muhammad Abdallah, NDLEA chairman, also refuted reports that he visited
Thailand with Akeredolu to learn more about extracting cannabis for economic
gains.
He said the NDLEA never advocated
the growth of cannabis sativa for medicinal purpose or economic gain, saying
that Nigeria’s opposition to legalising cannabis still stands.
“My attention has been drawn to
the misinformation that the Ondo State Governor and I were in the Republic of Thailand
to learn how to grow cannabis sativa for medicinal purpose or economic gain,”
he said.
“This is far from the truth. At
no point did I make any remark in favour of the commercial and medicinal value
or monetary gain of cannabis.
“The purpose of the visit to
Thailand is to understudy how the country has successfully migrated some of her
citizens hitherto engaged in illicit plant cultivation to the cultivation of
legitimate economic crops and other lawful businesses.
“The NDLEA under my leadership has
been consistent in our opposition to legalisation and decriminalisation of
cannabis.
“For example, Operation
Thunderstorm undertaken by the Ondo State Command of the NDLEA destroyed
3,900.73 hectares of cannabis sativa planted in forest reserves.”
Shehu Sani, senator-representing
Kaduna-central, had advised Akeredolu to shift attention to partnering with
other states for the production of ginger, beans and yam.
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