Nigerian lawmakers plan summit on drug abuse, alcohol misuse
The House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee has disclosed plans to convene a multi-stakeholder conference to deliberate and gather public input on strategies to tackle the menace of drug trafficking, alcohol, and substance abuse in Nigeria.
Penpushing reports that the Chairman of the Committee Hon Timeyin Adelegbe, made this known in a statement on Sunday following the committee’s inaugural meeting, adding the conference is scheduled to hold in Lagos and Abuja.
The Chairman explained that the initiative was in response to mounting public concern over what he described as a national emergency that cuts across public health, youth safety, corporate accountability, and the integrity of Nigeria’s trade and regulatory systems.
“Our mandate is clear. We are to investigate the conduct of companies operating within the drug, alcohol, and tobacco industries and ensure absolute compliance with Nigerian laws, regulations, and ethical obligations to the Nigerian people,” Adelegbe stated.
Penpushing further reports that he said the committee’s work will focus on key areas of national concern, including the increasing abuse of codeine-laced cough syrups, tramadol, and other controlled substances, as well as the unchecked production and sale of cheap spirit cocktails and illicit alcoholic beverages.
The committee boss stated that the committee will equally investigate the targeted marketing of alcohol and nicotine products to underage Nigerians, the circulation of fake and substandard drugs, corporate complicity, weak regulatory enforcement, and unethical market practices that endanger public health.
Penpushing also reports that Adelegbe emphasised that the committee’s work will prioritise human life and national interest above corporate profit, stressing that the era of corporate recklessness, weak compliance, and regulatory compromise is over.
The committee chairman listed the key laws and regulations guiding the investigation to include, “NAFDAC Act Cap N1 LFN 2004 – Product registration, safety, and standards; National Tobacco Control Act 2015 – Tobacco regulation and advertising; ARCON Act 2022 – Advertising standards and consumer protection; and FCCPC Act 2018 – Fair competition and consumer rights.”
Penpushing reports that he said others include “SON Act – Product quality compliance; NDLEA Act – Controlled substances and illegal distribution; Nigeria Alcohol Policy 2018 – Regulation of harmful alcohol use and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 – Tracking illicit trade proceeds.
The statement warned that any attempt by invited organisations to mislead the committee, conceal, or falsify information during the investigation would be treated as contempt of the National Assembly under Section 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Penpushing further reports that Adelegbe disclosed that the committee will be working with two law enforcement experts—a retired Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs and a retired Assistant Commandant-General of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)—who will provide field-based expertise to guide investigative operations.
The chairman emphasized that the conferences will serve as platforms for policy dialogue, expert recommendations, and the drafting of actionable resolutions for legislative reforms, reaffirming the committee’s commitment to truth, transparency, and accountability.
Penpushing also reports that Adelegbe pointed out that the exercise is not a witch-hunt but a patriotic duty to protect the health and well-being of Nigerians and restore ethical corporate practices.
“Nigeria must never become a dumping ground for toxic products, illegal drugs, predatory advertising, and destructive business practices. This Committee stands firm in defence of the Nigerian people’, he added.
Penpushing reports that, records by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, however, show that about 14.4% of Nigerians aged 15–64, representing over 14 million people—use psychoactive substances, including cannabis, tramadol, and codeine-laced syrups.
The abuse of pharmaceutical opioids has reached alarming levels, contributing to mental health disorders, violent behaviour, and insecurity, whole alcohol misuse is also on the rise, particularly among young and low-income populations.
Penpushing further reports that the World Health Organisation(WHO) reports that Nigeria’s per capita alcohol consumption exceeds the African average, worsened by the spread of unregulated local distilleries and adulterated drinks sold in sachets and small bottles.
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