ABUJA, Nigeria (Chatnewstv.com) — Nigeria’s anti-drug agency on Thursday clarified that comments made by its chief executive suggesting potential support for exporting cannabis oil were a “personal opinion” and do not represent a change in government policy. The clarification aims to quell speculation that the country was moving toward legalizing cannabis exports.
In a statement released Thursday, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) addressed remarks made by its Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), at a workshop in Abuja a day earlier. Marwa had told attendees that the agency was “not averse to the idea of exporting cannabis oil” to generate foreign exchange, while maintaining its strong opposition to local use. The agency now emphasizes this was not a formal announcement.
“It is important to note that the Agency’s position was one of the many opinions canvassed by various stakeholders,” the statement, signed by Director of Media & Advocacy Femi Babafemi, read. He explained that the comments were made at a workshop titled “Cannabis Oil Debate: The Path Forward for Nigeria,” organized by the Nigerian Academy of Science.
The NDLEA stressed that it is awaiting the final recommendations from an ongoing study on cannabis oil commissioned by the agency itself.
“This clarification is needed to avoid misrepresentations and suggestions that the Agency has approved cannabis oil export,” Babafemi stated, adding that such a decision “can only be taken by the Federal Government after considering inputs from various stakeholders.”
