Sowore Condemns NDLEA’s Destruction of Cannabis Farms, Calls for Legalisation

Omoyele Sowore, presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), has condemned the destruction of cannabis farms by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), describing the practice as an outdated policy that undermines Nigeria’s economic potential.

Sowore, on Tuesday, argued that the continued destruction of cannabis farms was counterproductive at a time when Nigeria is grappling with widespread poverty and economic hardship.

In a statement, he criticised the NDLEA for allegedly deploying personnel to farms to destroy economically viable crops, saying the country could instead benefit from the medicinal and industrial potential of cannabis if properly regulated.

“It is idiotic for the NDLEA to 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,” Sowore said.

He called on the Federal Government to end what he described as a failed and outdated approach to cannabis control and embrace legalisation and proper regulation of the industry.

According to him, Nigeria could invest in cannabis research, develop its legitimate medicinal and industrial applications, create employment opportunities and generate additional government revenue.

“Stop destroying cannabis farms. Stop wasting enormous economic opportunities in the name of a failed and outdated policy,” he said.

Sowore maintained that rather than destroying cannabis crops, the government should develop a regulatory framework that would enable Nigerians to participate in a potentially lucrative agricultural and industrial sector.

“Legalise 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,” he added.

He criticised the government’s approach to the issue, saying, “You cannot burn your way out of poverty, foolish people!”