The activist says Nigeria could turn cannabis into a major economic sector through proper regulation, research and investment in its medicinal and industrial uses.

Activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has called on the Federal Government to end the destruction of cannabis farms across Nigeria, arguing that the country could unlock significant economic opportunities by legalising and properly regulating the plant.

Sowore criticised the practice of government agencies destroying cannabis crops, describing it as an outdated approach that does little to address the economic challenges confronting millions of Nigerians.

According to him, rather than burning cannabis farms, the government should develop a regulatory framework that would allow the plant to be cultivated and processed for legitimate medicinal, industrial and commercial purposes.

Sowore argued that a properly regulated cannabis industry could create employment, generate tax revenue and attract investment while providing farmers with an additional source of income.

“It is idiotic to wake up, put on uniforms, march into farms, and set economically viable crops worth millions of dollars ablaze,” Sowore said.

He questioned the rationale behind destroying agricultural resources at a time when Nigeria is battling widespread poverty, unemployment and declining economic opportunities.

The activist maintained that Nigeria should learn from countries that have adopted regulated approaches to cannabis cultivation and processing, particularly in areas where the plant is used for medical research, pharmaceuticals and other industrial applications.

He also called for greater investment in research to determine how cannabis could be developed for legitimate uses while ensuring that appropriate safeguards are put in place to prevent abuse.

Sowore's position comes amid continuing debates over cannabis policy in Nigeria, where the cultivation, possession and trafficking of cannabis remain prohibited under existing laws, even as calls for a more regulated approach have grown.

He said the government should focus on regulation, research and economic development rather than simply destroying farms, insisting that Nigeria cannot effectively tackle poverty by eliminating potentially valuable agricultural resources.

The activist's comments are likely to fuel renewed debate over whether Nigeria should maintain its current prohibition-focused approach or explore a regulated cannabis industry that could contribute to the country's agricultural and economic development.