The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has debunked claims that its Chairman, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), announced Federal Government approval for the export of cannabis.
The clarification followed reports circulating after Marwa’s participation as a guest speaker at a workshop organised by the Nigerian Academy of Science, NAS, in Abuja on Wednesday, October 8.
During his presentation, Marwa stated that the NDLEA was not opposed to the idea of exporting cannabis oil to countries that demand it, provided such exports are strictly for foreign exchange purposes and not for local use, which remains illegal in Nigeria.
He had emphasised that the widespread abuse of drugs in the country makes any form of domestic cannabis consumption unacceptable.
In a statement on Thursday, the NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, explained that Marwa’s comments were being misinterpreted and did not amount to a government policy declaration.
Babafemi clarified that the NDLEA’s stance at the event represented just one of several perspectives expressed by stakeholders.
“It is important to note that the agency’s position was one of the many opinions canvassed by various stakeholders invited to address the workshop and should not be seen as the Federal Government’s approval of the position yet,” Babafemi said.
He revealed that the Nigerian Academy of Science is currently conducting a comprehensive study on cannabis oil, commissioned by the NDLEA, to guide future policy decisions.
“We can only be further guided on this matter by the final recommendations of NAS, which will eventually be submitted to the Federal Government as part of the inputs that will be used to develop an informed policy on the subject.
“This clarification is needed to avoid misrepresentations and suggestions that the Agency has approved cannabis oil export, a decision that can only be taken by the Federal Government after considering inputs from various stakeholders,” the statement added.
The NDLEA’s clarification comes amid a national debate on whether Nigeria should legalise the cultivation and export of cannabis for medical or industrial use — a proposal some experts argue could boost foreign exchange earnings.
Despite this, Nigeria’s existing drug laws strictly prohibit the cultivation, possession, or use of cannabis, and the NDLEA has continued to enforce a zero-tolerance policy toward recreational drug use.
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