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

Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has taken aim at Nigeria's National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for destroying cannabis farms in Edo State. In a strong rebuke published on X, Sowore called for the legalisation and regulation of cannabis, arguing that the country's poverty and economic struggles would be better addressed through a regulated industry than by burning valuable crops.

"While NDLEA agents march into thriving farms and set them ablaze, millions of dollars in viable cannabis crops are lost," Sowore wrote. "Wake up, stop destroying cannabis farms, and start tapping the immense economic potential that lies in this plant."

He stressed that Nigeria could generate revenue, create jobs, and advance medical research through a properly regulated cannabis market. "Legalize and regulate cannabis. Invest in research, and reap the benefits," Sowore urged.

Edo State Command of NDLEA suspended two cannabis plantations with an estimated harvest of 4,628.9 kilogrammes and arrested 10 suspected drug traffickers in raids across the state. The state's command said the operations were launched on credible intelligence.