Activist and presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has criticised the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) over the public destruction of a large quantity of seized illicit drugs, including cannabis.
The NDLEA recently announced the destruction of 329,865.585 kilogrammes of illicit substances valued at an estimated ₦301.058 billion in Lagos.
The exercise was carried out at Navy Town, Ojo, following a destruction order issued by the Federal High Court.
The substances destroyed reportedly included cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, cannabis, Canadian Loud, skunk, ephedrine, tramadol and codeine syrup.
Reacting to the development in a social media post, Sowore condemned the destruction of cannabis, arguing that the plant could represent a significant economic opportunity for Nigeria if properly regulated.
He criticised the continued criminalisation and destruction of cannabis, particularly against the backdrop of the country’s economic challenges and widespread poverty.
Sowore called for the legalisation and regulation of cannabis, arguing that Nigeria could benefit from its medicinal and industrial applications while creating jobs and generating government revenue.
“Stop destroying cannabis farms. Stop wasting enormous economic opportunities in the name of a failed and outdated policy.
“Legalize 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.”
He further argued that the government should explore regulated economic opportunities in the cannabis sector rather than destroy the crop.
The NDLEA, however, maintains its mandate to combat the cultivation, trafficking and abuse of illicit drugs in Nigeria, while the destruction of seized narcotics is carried out in accordance with legal procedures and court orders.
