The African continent has experienced a significant uptick in cannabis policy modernization efforts in recent years, with the most noteworthy example being South Africa, where lawmakers adopted the continent’s first national adult-use cannabis legalization measure last year.

Recreational cannabis legalization efforts are far less common on the continent compared to medical cannabis and industrial hemp, with several countries in Africa currently having active efforts for medical and hemp reform, including in Nigeria, where the nation’s National Assembly is reportedly working on a medical legalization measure.

“Former Senator and Labour Party’s governorship candidate in the 2023 Imo State election, Athan Nneji Achonu, yesterday disclosed that the National Assembly was already working on a bill aimed at legalising cannabis for medicinal and economic purposes.” reported This Day in its original coverage. “The LP chief, therefore, urged the federal government to embrace the move to legalise and regulate the cultivation and processing of crops for both medicinal and industrial purposes.”

“He said legalising it could drive economic diversification, create jobs, attract foreign investments, and strengthen medical research if brought under strict regulatory oversight.” the outlet also reported.

Nigeria is Africa’s most populous country, with an estimated population of roughly 235 million people. The nation’s total GDP is estimated to be worth 188.27 billion USD, making it one of the largest economies on the continent. However, that is not to say that it doesn’t have its issues.

“Between 2014 and 2023, real per capita GDP declined on average by 0.7 percent annually.” states the International Monetary Fund (IMF) about Nigeria’s economy. “In 2023, the poverty rate stood at 42 percent.”

“Poverty and food insecurity remain high. Nigeria lacks an effective social safety net to cushion the impact of shocks on the most vulnerable.” the IMF also states. “In addition, the global environment is posing new challenges with elevated uncertainty and high borrowing costs. Nigeria is especially affected by volatile international oil prices since oil revenues account for a large proportion of government revenues—a figure that stood at 30 percent in 2024.”

Legalizing and regulating medical cannabis production and commerce would help Nigeria boost its economic opportunities, and, to former Senator Athan Nneji Achonu’s point, a legal industry would help create jobs. Just as it has helped generate revenues and stimulate local economies in other countries, a regulated cannabis industry can do the same for Nigeria.