Former Senator and Labour Party governorship candidate in the 2023 Imo election, Athan Nneji Achonu, has revealed that the National Assembly is considering a bill to legalise cannabis cultivation and processing for medicinal and economic purposes.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja, Achonu described cannabis as “green gold” and urged the federal government to embrace the opportunity, stressing that Nigeria risks losing out on a multi-trillion-naira industry.
“I sponsored a similar bill when I was in the Senate, but it was not passed because Nigerians chose to demonise its usage,” he said.
“Now, a bill is before the Senate seeking legislative backing with strict regulations to avoid abuse.”
Achonu argued that legalisation could drive diversification, create jobs, attract foreign investment, boost tax revenues, and strengthen medical research.
He noted that countries such as the US, Canada, Germany, Israel, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe are already benefiting from the fast-growing global market projected to surpass $100 billion by the decade’s end.
Beyond cannabis, the former senator criticised poor management of federal allocations to states and local governments, particularly proceeds from fuel subsidy removal.
He urged civil society and citizens to demand accountability, warning that constitutional immunity protects governors from prosecution for mismanagement.
He called for greater funding and oversight at the local government level, backed by credible elections conducted by INEC instead of state electoral commissions.
Achonu also commended the Tinubu administration for bold economic reforms, including subsidy removal, tax reforms, and promoting local processing of raw materials.
However, he stressed that “the real challenge lies in implementation” and urged Nigerians to remain vigilant.
On political reforms, he renewed calls for zoning to be enshrined in the constitution, proposing that the presidency rotate among all six geopolitical zones, starting with the South-East and North-East which have yet to produce a president since 1999.
He further advocated diaspora voting, describing it as “long overdue,” given that Nigerians abroad remitted over $20 billion in 2024.
He also backed federal plans to expand local arms production, citing his own investment in research collaborations with US firms.
Achonu concluded that his interventions were patriotic, not partisan: “If we confront anomalies with courage—whether by empowering local governments, legalising cannabis, or embracing inclusive reforms—Nigeria can be set on a path of stability and prosperity.”
