NDLEA Chairman Calls for Elimination of Fine Options to Deter High-Level Drug Trafficking

NDLEA Chairman Buba Marwa calls for strict imprisonment without fine options to combat Nigeria’s 10-million-user cannabis crisis and deter traffickers.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 15, 2026, 4:30 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Peoples Gazette

Advocating for Judicially Imposed Deterrence

The leadership of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has officially called for a significant shift in how the Nigerian legal system penalizes drug-related crimes. During the unveiling of the National Minimum Standards on the Implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act in Abuja, Chairman Buba Marwa emphasized that the current practice of offering fines in lieu of imprisonment has proven ineffective. According to Marwa, wealthy traffickers often view these fines as a mere "cost of doing business," which does little to disrupt the cycle of illicit substance distribution. He urged federal judges to prioritize strict jail terms to ensure the law serves as a genuine deterrent against organized crime.

Addressing the Scale of Substance Abuse

The push for harsher sentencing comes amid alarming statistics regarding drug consumption within the country. The NDLEA reports that Nigeria currently has over 10 million regular cannabis users, a figure that Marwa described as deeply worrisome for national security and public health. Over the last five years, the agency has successfully seized approximately 15 million kilograms of assorted illicit substances. Analysis of these seizures reveals that cannabis accounts for between 70 and 75 percent of the total volume. This data highlights the massive scale of the domestic market and the persistent challenge faced by enforcement officers in curbing the flow of narcotics.

Strategic Engagement with Cannabis Cultivators

Beyond enforcement and judicial advocacy, the NDLEA is pursuing a grassroots strategy to reduce the supply of illicit substances at the source. The agency has initiated direct engagement programs with farmers, particularly in Ondo State, which is a major hub for cannabis cultivation. Officers are working to enlighten growers on the legal risks and societal harms associated with Indian hemp, while simultaneously encouraging a transition to legitimate food and cash crops. According to agency reports, these efforts are aimed at making life more meaningful for farmers by integrating them into the legal agricultural economy, thereby removing the constant fear of arrest and prosecution.