Reps considering bill to allow legalisation of cannabis

 

The House of Reps is considering the legalisation of the use of Cannabis in Nigeria.

This was disclosed by the Reps Spokesman, Benjamin Okezie Kalu during a press conference on the benefits and opportunities of Cannabis, in Akure, Ondo State.

He said the decision would be made in the interest of the country’s economic growth.

The Reps explained that countries such as South Africa and others are currently benefiting a high revenue from cannabis which they export to other countries.

“It is worrisome that Nigeria has not made use of the financial advantage that her oil reserves can provide to generate collective investment and revenue sources.

“The coronavirus pandemic exposed our weaknesses when global oil prices fell below $0 a barrel on 20 April 2020.

“Agriculture has always been a major strength of Nigeria and cannabis provides interesting prospects.

“The crop, once harvested, has a high yield of edible proteins and fibres with more than 50,000 product applications.

“Also, a verifiable market research showed that the Global Industrial Hemp Market is projected to reach USD 36 Billion by 2026.

“Nigerians must understand that we are not alone in this race to establish a lucrative medical and industrial hemp economy,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government (FG) says it has uncovered about 476 online publication sites dedicated to the daily churning out of fake news to fight the government.

This was disclosed by the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.

He made this known on Monday in Abuja. Lai Mohammed spoke when he received officials of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations on a courtesy visit. The Minister revealed that the latest of the hatchet jobs by the traducers was a fake publication; which according to him, dwelt on President Muhammadu Buhari’s mental status.

“It will amaze you that recently; we unveiled almost 476 online publication sites that are dedicated to daily engaging in churning out fake news to fight the government.

“The latest which I found ridiculous is the one that said days ago, that they had information that when Mr President was in the UK the last time; he was advised to step down because he could not even recognise members of his immediate family.

“I begin to wonder how they can go this far; simply because they know that people are gullible and they will make the fake news to go viral,’’ he said.