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By Tracy Moses
The House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee investigating the alarming rise in drug trafficking, alcohol misuse, and substance abuse in Nigeria has announced plans to hold a multi-stakeholder summit in Lagos and Abuja to chart a national response to the growing problem.
The Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Timeyin Adelegbe, disclosed this in a statement following the committee’s inaugural sitting, describing the initiative as a timely intervention to address what he termed a “national emergency” that threatens public health, youth development, and Nigeria’s regulatory integrity.
Adelegbe said the committee was determined to discharge its constitutional responsibility of investigating and uncovering all forms of institutional and corporate negligence fueling the growing abuse of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco products across the country.
“Our mandate is clear and decisive,” Adelegbe stated. “We intend to scrutinize the operations of players in the drug, alcohol, and tobacco industries to ensure that they adhere strictly to Nigerian laws, ethical business practices, and their responsibilities to citizens.”
He said the committee’s investigation would focus on key areas, such as the rising misuse of codeine-laced syrups, tramadol, and other controlled drugs; the illegal production and distribution of cheap spirits and counterfeit alcoholic beverages; and the unethical targeting of minors in alcohol and tobacco advertising.
According to him, the panel will also examine the circulation of fake, unregistered, and substandard pharmaceutical products, weak regulatory frameworks, and instances of corporate complicity that compromise public health. He stressed that the committee’s priority is to safeguard lives and uphold national interest over corporate profits, insisting that an era of impunity and lax regulation must end.
Adelegbe outlined the legal frameworks guiding the committee’s work to include the NAFDAC Act Cap N1 LFN 2004 on product safety and registration; the National Tobacco Control Act 2015 on advertising and regulation; the ARCON Act 2022 on advertising and consumer standards; and the FCCPC Act 2018, which ensures consumer protection and fair market practices. Others, he said, include the SON Act on quality standards, the NDLEA Act on controlled substances, the Nigeria Alcohol Policy 2018 on responsible consumption, and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 for tracking proceeds of illicit trade.
He warned that any individual or organization that attempts to mislead the committee or provide false information during its investigation would be treated as being in contempt of the National Assembly, in accordance with Section 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Adelegbe further revealed that the committee will work with two retired law enforcement veterans, an Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs and an Assistant Commandant-General of the NDLEA — whose technical expertise will strengthen the committee’s investigative operations.
He explained that the committee’s approach would include data-driven inquiries, public hearings, and strategic stakeholder engagements. The Lagos conference, he said, will focus on the alcohol, tobacco, ports, and pharmaceutical sectors, while the Abuja session will involve government agencies, NGOs, CSOs, and regulatory institutions.
The conferences, according to Adelegbe, will provide a platform for informed dialogue, expert analysis, and the development of actionable policy and legislative recommendations to curb substance abuse and strengthen regulation.
Reaffirming the committee’s commitment to transparency and accountability, Adelegbe emphasized that the investigation is not targeted at any group or company but is a patriotic effort to protect Nigerians’ health, promote ethical conduct, and ensure corporate responsibility.
“Nigeria cannot afford to be a dumping ground for dangerous products, illicit drugs, deceptive advertisements, or predatory corporate behavior,” he said. “This committee will stand firm in defense of the lives, dignity, and future of the Nigerian people.”