Edo NDLEA blames cannabis farms, schoolchildren’s involvement as key anti-drug challenges

Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has listed increasing cultivation of cannabis in forest areas and the growing involvement of schoolchildren in illicit drug activities as among the major obstacles to the fight against drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria. 

The Command said the development is frustrating efforts to curb the production, distribution and consumption of illicit substances.

DAILY POST reports that Dr Mitchell Ofoyeju, the Edo State Commander of NDLEA stated this on Thursday, August 6, 2026, when the leadership of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) and the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) paid  him a courtesy visit at the Command Headquarters in Benin City.

Ofoyeju, who called for a stronger collaboration among stakeholders to address the menace, however,  reaffirmed the commitment of the agency and the visiting bodies to a robust partnership in the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking

“I underscored that the fight against drug abuse is a collective responsibility that no single agency can win alone. 

“The challenges are multifaceted, ranging from the increasing cultivation of cannabis in forest areas which also contributes to environmental degradation to the exploitation of farmers by criminal networks and the alarming trend of school children being drawn into such activities”, he said.

He stressed the devastating impact of substance abuse on individuals, families, and national development

He reiterated that drug abuse is a chronic relapsing brain disorder, requiring comprehensive prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation efforts.

The NDLEA boss in the state welcomed the visitors and described the visit as a critical step in intensifying the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign.

The delegation, led by the Chairman of PSN, Edo State Chapter, Dr. Chris Oisakede, included the Chairman of ACPN, Dr. Nwachukwu Memili, and other distinguished executive members were  received by Commander Mitchell Ofoyeju,  alongside the senior management team of the Command, including the Deputy State Commander, DCN Victor Isibor Chuks, and other deputy commanders and principal officers.

Earlier, the Chairman of PSN, Dr. Chris Oisakede, commended the Command’s achievements and its holistic approach combining supply reduction, demand reduction, and public enlightenment. 

He assured the Edo State Command of the unwavering support of community pharmacists, who occupy a strategic position through their daily interaction with the public.

He also lauded the agency’s alternative livelihood initiative for cannabis farmers as a progressive step.

On his part, the ACPN Chairman, Dr. Nwachukwu Memili, highlighted the role of community pharmacists as the technical arm of PSN in ensuring ethical drug distribution.

Memili, in a remarkable show of solidarity, announced plans for a free medical outreach for officers and men of the Command. 

Other speakers, which included Dr. Grace O. Ogieva, MD/CEO of VJ Essex Pharmacy and a former PSN Chairman commended the progress made so far in reducing illicit substance distribution through licensed pharmacies.

While calling for expanding sensitisation campaigns to include pharmaceutical companies, transport unions, religious institutions, and community groups, she, however, proposed a broader scope of collaboration with the stakeholders.