Stop destroying cannabis farms, wasting economic opportunities, Sowore tells NDLEA

Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has strongly criticized Nigeria's National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for destroying cannabis farms in Edo State. Sowore argued that these actions are "idiotic" and represent a waste of "enormous economic opportunities" while Nigeria struggles with "multidimensional poverty."

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It is idiotic @ndlea_nigeria wake up, put on uniforms, march into farms, and set economically viable crops worth millions of dollars ablaze while your country is drowning in multidimensional poverty.

In a post on X, Sowore called for the legalization and regulation of cannabis, emphasizing its potential for medicinal and industrial use. He stated that a regulated cannabis industry could create jobs, generate revenue, and benefit Nigerians. "You cannot burn your way out of poverty, foolish people," he added.

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Stop destroying cannabis farms. Stop wasting enormous economic opportunities in the name of a failed and outdated policy.

His comments came after the NDLEA's Edo State Command reported destroying two cannabis plantations, yielding nearly 4,629 kilograms, and arresting 10 suspected drug traffickers. The operations were conducted in line with the agency's directive to dismantle illicit drug locations nationwide. The commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, detailed the seizure of farms and arrests made in various local government areas.

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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.