October 08, (THEWILL) — The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has declared its support for the regulated export of cannabis oil but maintained its opposition to domestic consumption within Nigeria.
NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), made this known on Wednesday at a workshop organised by the Nigerian Academy of Science in Abuja.
Marwa explained that while cannabis oil may have recognized medicinal applications in some countries, its local use in Nigeria poses serious health and social risks.
According to him, cannabis consumption has been linked to mental health disorders such as depression, psychosis, cognitive impairment, and addiction. He added that inconsistent global production standards further increase the risk of unsafe local use.
The NDLEA boss clarified that the agency would only support the export of cannabis oil to countries where it is legally permitted, and strictly under regulated frameworks—preferably within designated export-free zones.
He raised concerns over Nigeria’s rising drug abuse rate, noting that 14.4 percent of the population is affected, far above the global average of 5.6 percent. Out of this figure, an estimated 10.6 million Nigerians use cannabis, underscoring the urgency of maintaining strict control measures.
Marwa reaffirmed that the NDLEA remains committed to safeguarding public health and ensuring that any engagement with cannabis remains within the confines of international law and Nigeria’s national interest.
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