The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has expressed dissatisfaction with the option of fines for drug traffickers, calling instead for strict imprisonment to deter illicit drug activities in the country.
Chairman of the agency, Buba Marwa, made the position known on Tuesday in Abuja, urging judges of the Federal High Court to impose custodial sentences on offenders who do not deserve leniency.
Speaking at the unveiling of the National Minimum Standards on the Implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 and related laws across the 36 states, Marwa said the option of fines has failed to curb drug trafficking.
According to him, Nigeria currently has over 10 million cannabis users, a situation he described as alarming.
He disclosed that in the past five years, the agency seized about 15 million kilograms of assorted illicit substances, with cannabis accounting for between 70 and 75 per cent.
Marwa noted that the disturbing trend prompted the agency to engage cannabis farmers, particularly in Ondo State, to abandon the cultivation of Indian hemp and embrace legitimate agricultural activities.
He added that the initiative has begun yielding positive results, with many farmers opting for lawful means of livelihood.
The NDLEA boss commended the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for their support in addressing challenges facing the agency.
In her remarks, the Director of Administration of Criminal Justice Reform and Development at the Federal Ministry of Justice, Leticia Ayoola Daniels, said the initiative marks a significant step in strengthening Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
She explained that the National Minimum Standards (2025) set operational benchmarks for institutionalising restorative justice in Nigeria, while the Harmonised Restorative Justice Training Curriculum and Manual (2025) provides a framework for training facilitators and ensuring professionalism in its implementation.
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate