By Ojo Jeremiah Oladipupo (Siwes student, Efon Poly)
Brig. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), Chairman and CEO of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, underscores the imperative of adopting alternative development approaches to counteract drug production and trafficking, safeguarding both national security and the environment.
This stance was articulated during an NDLEA Special Purpose Committee meeting in Abuja, where Marwa stressed the necessity for collaborative efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking, emphasizing a focus on root causes.
Experts from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in Vienna, Austria, echoed similar sentiments at the meeting, highlighting the detrimental impact of illicit drug cultivation on global security, climate, and human health.
The NDLEA, through its Director of Media and Publicity, Femi Babafemi, emphasized the profound consequences of drug production on the natural ecosystem.
Represented by his Special Adviser, Otunba Lanre Ipinmisho, Marwa affirmed the agency’s commitment to providing people-centered alternatives to illicit drugs.
Plans include educating communities on the security and environmental risks associated with drug cultivation, coupled with a crop substitution program aiming to attract investments through public-private partnerships, particularly in agriculture.
Recognizing the pivotal role of community support, Marwa highlighted the importance of community engagement for program success.
Dr. Jorrit Kamminga, UNODC’s consultant on Alternative/Sustainable Livelihoods, commended NDLEA for integrating alternative development into their anti-narcotics initiatives.
Kamminga sees Nigeria as a potential leader in Africa, showcasing how alternative development initiatives can effectively address challenges posed by illicit drug cultivation and contribute to the global effort against drug-related issues.
