The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has clarified that its Chairman/CEO’s comment about exporting cannabis oil was only a personal opinion, not an official Federal Government announcement.
The Chairman, retired Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, had made the remark on Wednesday, October 8, at a Nigerian Academy of Science workshop in Abuja.
He stated that the NDLEA supports exporting cannabis oil to countries that want it for foreign exchange earnings, but remains opposed to its local use due to existing laws and the high prevalence of drug abuse in Nigeria.
According to Mr. Femi Babafemi, the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Marwa’s position was just one of several opinions expressed by stakeholders at the event and should not be misinterpreted as government approval.
He added that the agency has commissioned a study on cannabis oil by the Nigerian Academy of Science.
The statement reads: “We can only be further guided on this matter by the final recommendations of NAS which will eventually be submitted to the Federal Government as part of inputs that will be used to develop an informed policy on the subject.
“This clarification is needed to avoid misrepresentations and suggestions that the Agency has approved cannabis oil export, a decision that can only be taken by the Federal Government after considering inputs from various stakeholders.”
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