The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), has expressed his appreciation to the House of Representatives for rejecting a bill that sought to decriminalize cannabis cultivation, sale, and use in Nigeria. The bill was presented to the National Assembly on March 23 but was ultimately rejected.
Marwa believes that the decision by the majority of the lawmakers to reject the bill will strengthen the fight against drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria. He cites the 2018 drug survey figure, which indicates that 10.6 million Nigerians abuse cannabis, as evidence of the seriousness of the issue. He also highlights the link between drug abuse and the security challenges facing the country.
Marwa argues that insecurity in Nigeria has many manifestations, including insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, murder, and robbery. He contends that drug abuse is one of the factors fueling these problems and therefore, the cultivation, sale, and use of cannabis should not be permitted in Nigeria
Marwa concludes by praising the House of Representatives for their decision, stating that it is a welcome and cheering news for NDLEA and the Nigerian public, particularly parents who are concerned about the devastating effects of cannabis abuse on their children. He believes that those who stand with parents to protect them and their children from any legislation that will turn Nigeria into a nation of junkies and criminals will be remembered in history.