Cannabis Smokers in Edo, Delta Lament Soaring Prices of ‘Igbo’
Crime/Social Justice
Sapele, Delta – Regular users of cannabis, popularly known locally as ‘Igbo’, in Nigeria’s Edo and Delta states are expressing frustration over what they describe as a sharp and sustained increase in the price of the prohibited substance.
Traders and consumers in areas like Benin City, Warri, Sapele, and surrounding communities report that a standard wrap or “joint” that once sold for as low as ₦50–₦100 now costs significantly more, with some premium or “loud” varieties reportedly hitting higher figures amid supply shortages.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intensified operations in the South-South region, a traditional cannabis cultivation hub, as recent raids have led to the destruction of multiple plantations and large seizures in Edo and Delta states.
These enforcement actions have reportedly disrupted local supply chains, reducing availability and pushing up street prices as dealers pass on risks and scarcity costs to users.
Edo and Delta, along with other South-West states, remain key growing areas for cannabis, which is cultivated both commercially and for local consumption.
A 2022 UNODC cannabis survey (still widely referenced) noted that retail prices were generally low, with wraps of about 5 grams selling for around ₦50–₦100.
However, users say current realities on the ground reflect tighter enforcement and possible shifts in cultivation patterns due to repeated farm destructions.
Many smokers, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the illegality of the substance, lamented the situation.
“Before, you fit buy good Igbo for ₦200–₦500 and enjoy the whole day. Now, the same thing don cost pass, and the quality sometimes no even good again,” one regular user in Warri told DAILY South Nigeria
Dealers in Benin markets complain of higher wholesale costs and constant fear of raids, making business riskier and more expensive.
Some users are switching to smaller quantities or lower-quality alternatives, while others blame the price surge on “imported” or processed strains that have become more common as local farms face pressure.
Nigeria ranks among the world’s top consumers of cannabis, with estimates of over 10 million users despite its illegal status under the NDLEA Act and Indian Hemp Decree.
Cultivation thrives in southern states due to suitable climate and soil, but repeated crackdowns continue.
Calls for legalization or regulation for medicinal, industrial, and economic purposes have grown, with arguments focusing on potential revenue, job creation, and reduced criminality.
However, the NDLEA maintains strong opposition, emphasizing public health risks and ongoing destruction of illicit farms.
As prices climb in Edo and Delta, the situation highlights the cat-and-mouse dynamic between enforcement agencies and the resilient underground market.
For many users, what was once an affordable habit is increasingly becoming a strain on limited resources.
Whether this leads to reduced consumption or simply drives the trade further underground remains to be seen.
