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Omoyele Sowore has criticised the NDLEA over the destruction of cannabis farms in Edo State.
He wants Nigeria to legalise and properly regulate cannabis for medicinal and industrial purposes.
The NDLEA recently destroyed two cannabis plantations in Edo State with an estimated yield of 4,628.9kg
Human rights activist and African Action Congress presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has criticised the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for destroying cannabis farms, arguing that Nigeria is losing potential economic opportunities.
Sowore made the remarks in a social media post on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, while reacting to the agency’s recent operations in Edo State.
Read original: BendelNews
In the post, Sowore described the destruction of cannabis farms as wasteful, especially at a time when the country is battling poverty and unemployment.
He wrote that it was “idiotic” for NDLEA officials to march into farms and destroy crops that could potentially have significant economic value.
“Stop destroying cannabis farms. Stop wasting enormous economic opportunities in the name of a failed and outdated policy,” Sowore said.
He called on the government to consider legalising and regulating cannabis, arguing that the plant could have legitimate medicinal and industrial applications if properly controlled.
Sowore also urged the government to invest in cannabis-related research and develop a regulated industry that could create jobs and generate revenue.
“Legalize 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 ended his post by saying, “You cannot burn your way out of poverty, foolish people!”
Sowore’s comments came after the Edo State Command of the NDLEA announced the destruction of two cannabis plantations in the state.
According to the agency, the farms had an estimated combined yield of 4,628.9 kilogrammes of cannabis, while 10 suspected drug traffickers were arrested during separate operations.
The NDLEA said the operations were carried out based on credible intelligence and were part of efforts to dismantle illicit drug cultivation and trafficking networks across the country.
The development has now sparked renewed debate over Nigeria’s approach to cannabis, with Sowore arguing that regulation could allow the country to benefit economically from the plant rather than destroying its cultivation.
