Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (retd), has underscored the critical need for an alternative development strategy to curb illicit drug production, trafficking, and to protect the environment from exploitation by drug cartels.
He stated this during an NDLEA Special Purpose Committee meeting on Alternative Development projects in Nigeria, convened at the national headquarters of the Agency in Abuja on Thursday, December 14, 2023.
According to Director, Media and Advocacy NDLEA Headquarters Abuja, Femi Babafemi, Brig. Gen. Marwa, in his address, emphasized the significant threat posed by illicit drug cultivation and production to both national and global security.
He drew attention to the severe consequences of environmental degradation resulting from illicit drug activities, impacting negatively on climate and human health.
The NDLEA boss, represented by his Special Adviser on National Drug Control Master Plan, Otunba Lanre Ipinmisho, urged concerted and collaborative efforts to address this multifaceted challenge.
During the meeting, experts from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Vienna, Austria, echoed Marwa’s sentiments, highlighting the urgent need for a collaborative approach in curbing illicit drug trafficking.
The experts, along with stakeholders from Nigeria, collectively advocated for the adoption of an alternative development strategy as a proactive measure.
Brig. Gen. Marwa, known for the NDLEA’s significant achievements in seizing illicit drugs, dismantling clandestine laboratories, and arresting high-profile suspects, stressed the importance of providing sustainable alternatives for those involved in the illicit drug trade.
He expressed concern that, as a result of the crackdown on drug trafficking, individuals might resort to other criminal activities, underscoring the need to engage them in alternative, lawful means of livelihood.
To achieve the goals of the Alternative Development programme, the NDLEA plans to employ crop substitution and educational initiatives. Otunba Lanre Ipinmisho, speaking on behalf of Brig. Gen. Marwa, outlined the agency’s commitment to creating structures for public-private partnerships, particularly in the agricultural sector, to attract investments into alternative development projects.
Ipinmisho emphasized the importance of community involvement, urging engagement with grassroots members, youth and women groups, traditional and religious leaders, as well as influential figures from the public and private sectors.
This inclusive approach, he noted, is vital for the success of the alternative development programme.
Dr. Jorrit Kamminga, a consultant from UNODC’s Alternative/Sustainable Livelihoods Team in Vienna, Austria, commended the NDLEA for incorporating Alternative Development in its initiatives to combat illicit drug trafficking. Kamminga believes that Nigeria has the potential to play a leading role in Africa by showcasing how alternative development initiatives can address challenges related to illicit drug cultivation.
The consultant emphasized the importance of environmental and biodiversity considerations from the outset.
He applauded the NDLEA’s timeliness in pursuing alternative development, coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Alternative Development.
During the meeting, other experts, including Engr. Nurudeen Aderinto, Dr. Jonah Kolo, Julius Bawa Parah, Prof. Oluwatoyin Odeku, Dr. Nkereuwem Williams Ebiti, and Dr. Martins Agwogie, made presentations on alternative development.
Their contributions highlighted the diverse perspectives and strategies needed to address the complex challenges posed by illicit drug activities in the country.
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