House of Representatives has inaugurated an Ad Hoc Committee to investigate the prevalence, regulation, and impact of drugs, tobacco, alcohol, and illicit trafficking on Nigeria’s economy and public health.
The committee, chaired by Hon. Oluwatimehin Adelegbe, was constituted following a resolution of the House to probe the alarming rise in drug and substance abuse across the country.
In a statement on Thursday, Hon. Adelegbe explained that the committee has been given an urgent mandate to identify the root causes, institutional weaknesses, and enforcement lapses fueling the substance abuse crisis in Nigeria.
He emphasized that the process will be both investigative and participatory, urging Nigerians and relevant organisations to submit memoranda highlighting their concerns, experiences, and recommendations to guide legislative interventions ahead of the committee’s investigative hearing.
“The House wants a coordinated, data-driven, and sustainable response to the menace of drug abuse,” Adelegbe stated.
As part of its assignment, the committee has invited key stakeholders, including:
• National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC)
• Federal Ministry of Health
• Federal Ministry of Justice
• Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON)
• Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (PMG-MAN)
• Major pharmaceutical firms, including Emzor, Fidson, May & Baker, Juhel, and Dana
Other invited institutions include beverage and tobacco companies such as Nigerian Breweries, Guinness Nigeria, and International Distillers Ltd, as well as law enforcement bodies including the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Customs Service, and Nigerian Correctional Service.
Professional bodies and civil society organisations — notably the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria (APN), Civil Society Network on Substance Abuse (CSN-SA), Association of Advocates Against Alcohol Harm in Nigeria (ASAAHN), and Youth Rise Nigeria — are also expected to make submissions and provide expert inputs.
Hon. Adelegbe reaffirmed the House’s commitment to using the findings of the investigation to develop robust policies aimed at curbing substance abuse and mitigating its devastating social and economic effects on the nation.
“This is a national health and security priority. The House is determined to ensure that Nigeria adopts a stronger, evidence-based, and people-centered approach to tackling drug abuse,” he added.
