The House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee investigating the alarming rise in drug trafficking and alcohol abuse has vowed to identify and prosecute all individuals and organisations involved in the illicit trade, in a renewed effort to safeguard public health and national security.
The Chairman of the committee, Rep. Timeyin Adelegbe (APC–Ondo), made the commitment in a statement issued on Sunday, stressing that the committee would leave no stone unturned in its investigation. He said the House was determined to prevent Nigeria from becoming a dumping ground for toxic products, illegal substances, and destructive business practices.
Adelegbe described the growing circulation of hard drugs and unregulated alcoholic beverages as a national threat, particularly to the youth population. He warned that unless urgent measures were taken, the country risked facing a full-blown public health crisis and increased criminality linked to substance abuse.
According to him, the committee will work closely with relevant agencies such as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to trace the sources of illegal drugs and curtail their distribution networks.
“The House is deeply concerned about the rising cases of drug and alcohol abuse in our communities.
We are committed to identifying those behind these harmful practices and ensuring they face justice. No one—no matter how highly placed—will be spared if found culpable,” Adelegbe stated.
He further emphasised the need for stricter regulatory enforcement, greater public awareness, and collaboration with international partners to combat the inflow of banned or substandard substances into the country.
The committee, he added, will also probe the role of predatory advertising and misleading promotions that target vulnerable groups, especially young people.
Adelegbe assured that the findings of the investigation would guide the National Assembly in enacting stronger laws and policies to curb the menace and protect Nigerians from the devastating consequences of substance abuse.
