The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has clarified that its recent comment on the potential export of cannabis oil does not represent an official policy decision of the Federal Government but merely an opinion expressed during a scientific workshop.
In a statement issued on Thursday, October 9, 2025, by the Agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA explained that remarks made by its Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), at a forum organized by the Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS) in Abuja, were misconstrued as a government approval for cannabis oil export.
Brig. Gen. Marwa, who was a guest speaker at the event themed “Cannabis Oil Debate: The Path Forward for Nigeria” on October 8, had said the Agency was not opposed to exploring the export of cannabis oil strictly for foreign exchange purposes, provided it aligns with the country’s legal framework and does not encourage local misuse.
However, the NDLEA stressed that the Chairman’s remarks were made within the context of an ongoing discussion among experts and stakeholders on the subject and did not amount to an official policy endorsement. “It is important to note that the Agency’s position was one of many opinions canvassed at the workshop and should not be interpreted as Federal Government approval,” the statement read. “The NDLEA will be guided by the final recommendations of the Nigerian Academy of Science, which is currently conducting a study on cannabis oil as commissioned by the Agency.”
The NDLEA emphasized that any decision on the matter rests solely with the Federal Government, which will consider inputs from relevant stakeholders before adopting a position. “This clarification is necessary to avoid misrepresentations suggesting that the Agency has approved cannabis oil export,” Babafemi added. “Such a decision can only be taken by the Federal Government after due consultation and policy review.”
