BY TheCable
Abdullahi Ganduje, governor of Kano, says his state will resist any attempt to legalise cannabis in the country.
The governor spoke on Monday when Buba Marwa, chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), led officials of the agency on a courtesy visit to Kano.
In a statement released by Femi Babafemi, NDLEA spokesperson, the governor was quoted as saying that no Kano lawmaker will support the bid in the national assembly.
The house of representatives had in May 2021 began moves to legalise cannabis to take advantage of its economic benefits.
Commenting on the development during the visit of the NDLEA chairman, Ganduje said the Kano state government is against drug abuse and trafficking.
He said: “Kano has the highest number of federal lawmakers in the national assembly. I want to assure you that none of them will support any attempt to legalise cannabis.
“We will also grant your requests for land and accommodation for a zonal command in the state.”
Earlier, Marwa had said the NDLEA is working hard to curb the availability and accessibility to illicit drugs across Nigeria.
He added that any attempt to legalise cannabis would be a setback to the progress made so far.
“With over 8,634 arrests; 2,776,000 kilograms of drugs worth over N100 billion seized between January and now, it is a big one for us,” he said.
“Also, 1,630 convictions; 3,232 cases in court and over 4,000 drug users counselled and rehabilitated show the progress made so far.
“We are already making substantial progress in our drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts.
“We are, however, convinced that the ongoing attempts by some of our elected officials to legalise cannabis, which is being abused by over 10.6 million Nigerians, will be a draw back for the achievements so far.
“This is why I want to implore your Excellency and Kano state not to support the attempt to legalise cannabis.”
Marwa commended the governor for making drug test compulsory for public officials and those aspiring for public offices in the state.
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