Reps seek to tighten regulations on drugs, alcohol control
The House of Representatives is to consider a bill seeking to establish a comprehensive national framework for alcohol control in Nigeria aimed at strengthening public health governance and responsible industry
The House of Representatives is to consider a bill seeking to establish a comprehensive national framework for alcohol control in Nigeria aimed at strengthening public health governance and responsible industry regulation.
The Bill titled “A Bill for an Act to Provide for the Control, Regulation and Reduction of Alcohol-Related Harm in Nigeria” sponsored by the Chairman of the ad-hoc committee on Drug Trafficking, Tobacco, and Alcohol Abuse, Oluwatimehin Adelegbe, aims to regulate the production, importation, distribution, marketing, and consumption of alcohol, while prioritising the protection of minors and public health.
According to Adelegbe, the Bill, which has scaled first reading, represents a bold legislative response to the growing public health, social, and economic challenges associated with alcohol misuse across the country.
He said, “This Bill is not about prohibition—it is about protection, responsibility, and national development. Nigeria must adopt a modern, evidence-based framework that safeguards our youth while ensuring accountability within the alcohol industry.”
According to him, the development of the Bill reflects extensive consultations and engagements with key stakeholders, including government agencies, public health experts, civil society organisations, and industry stakeholders, including alcohol producers and distributors
He said a critical technical contribution to the Bill was provided by A New Thing International Foundation, led by Ambassador Kenneth Anetor, who serves as the Lead Consultant to the House Committee on Drug Trafficking, Tobacco, and Alcohol Abuse.
He quoted Ambassador Anetor as saying that “This legislation represents a shift from reactive interventions to preventive systems. It aligns Nigeria with global best practices while creating a balanced framework that protects public health and allows responsible industry participation.”
He argued that if passed into law, the Bill will establish a national alcohol control framework, introduce regulations on marketing and access, especially for minors, strengthen public awareness and harm-reduction strategies, promote data-driven policy and enforcement mechanisms and align Nigeria with international public health standards
While asking alcohol industry stakeholders to actively engage in the legislative process as the Bill progresses through readings, committee reviews, and public hearings, he said the process of the bill is a unique opportunity for industry leaders to contribute to shaping balanced and sustainable regulations, demonstrate commitment to corporate responsibility and partner with government on harm reduction and consumer protection
He said the Committee also invites NGOs, development partners, and international organisations to participate in this legislative process, recognising the Bill as a critical milestone in Nigeria’s public health and policy reform landscape.
Adelegbe said this effort positions Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s evolving alcohol policy space, signalling readiness for stronger collaboration with global health and policy institutions.
