NDLEA faults illusion propagated by politicians, activists on $103.9b worth economic potentials of cannabis
By Ogaga Ariemu
National Drug Law Enforcement Agency(NDLEA) has faulted the illusion been propagated by politicians, activists on the projected $103.9 billion dollars economic worth of cannabis by 2024.
The Chairman/Chief Executive, NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.) made this disclosure in his lecture titled, ‘Dangers of Illicit Sustances to National Development’ delivered at the 40th Olumide Memorial Lecture organised by Nigerian Institute of Surveyors (NIS) in Abuja on Thursday.
He stated the surge in illicit drugs abuse has a spiral effect on Nigeria’s economy and national development.
He highlighted the detrimental effect of drugs on business, economy, education, and all sectors.
Marwa added that, increased crime rate, road accidents, brian disorder characterised countries with highest prevalence of illicit substances.
According to him, “What is most alarming, however, is the growing illusion propagated by some activists and politicians that our country can achieve some economic growth by ‘cashing in’ on the global cannabis market which is projected to be worth $103.9 billion by 2024. In recent years, they have canvassed for the legalization of the cultivation of Cannabis Sativa as the magic bullet for Nigeria’s economic growth. Their argument references some Western countries that have decriminalised the use of cannabis or cannabis derivatives and other countries that are making economic gains from the cultivation and exportation of Cannabis. In the end, the crux of their argument is narco-dollar revenue for the country. Unfortunately, they often fail to also speak the truth about the drug problems those countries have on their hands as well as the human and material costs of the problems.
“And what is worse, our country’s drug use prevalence of 14.4 per cent is one of the highest in the world compared to the global average of 5.6 per cent. These are not mere statistics.They have implications, they have accompanying problems which if left unattended to will in a matter of few years, snowballed into a big problem that may become an overwhelming albatross capable of undermining meaningful national development.
“In the past 20 months, the leadership, men and officers of the Agency have been working to shut down Nigeria’s illicit drug complex far, we are achieving results,” he said.
Earlier, the President NIS, Surv Dr Kayode Oluwamotemi in his remarks, reiterated the need for surveyors to emulate the professional quality, Late Surv Cyprian Olumide stood for.
“Pa Olumide was a great leader.He sacrificed personal gains to build an institution and grow his profession. Today all beneficiaries of his legacy. As contemporary leaders, what are we doing go build on the legacy? Would it be said of us that we destroyed it or at best, dismembered the strong association he and his generation built? I dare say we all have another opportunity not only to do what is right bug to be seen to be doing it. We must put aside sentiments and self-interests, rebuild our bridges and mend our fences,”he said.
