The House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee probing the surge in drug trafficking and alcohol abuse has vowed to expose and prosecute those behind the growing menace.
In a statement on Sunday, the committee chairman, Rep. Timeyin Adelegbe (APC–Ondo), said lawmakers would not allow Nigeria to become a dumping ground for illegal drugs, toxic products, and unethical business practices.
Adelegbe revealed that the committee would soon convene multi-stakeholder conferences in Abuja and Lagos to gather data and recommendations from Nigerians, industry experts, and relevant agencies on strategies to end substance abuse and strengthen regulatory systems.
He said the initiative responds to rising public concern over the threat posed by drugs and alcohol to public health, youth safety, and national integrity.
“The committee is fully committed to its constitutional duty of investigating and exposing corporate and institutional misconduct fueling the proliferation of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco-related abuse in the country,” he said.
According to Adelegbe, the conferences will serve as platforms for policy discussions, expert engagement, and the development of legislative reforms. While the Lagos session will focus on the alcohol, tobacco, port terminal, and pharmaceutical sectors, the Abuja session will engage government agencies, NGOs, CSOs, and regulatory institutions.
He warned that any organisation attempting to mislead or conceal information during the investigation would be sanctioned for contempt of the National Assembly under Section 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Adelegbe stressed that the investigation was not a witch-hunt but a national effort to protect Nigerians’ health and promote ethical corporate conduct.
“Nigeria must not be turned into a dumping ground for toxic products or illegal drugs. This committee stands resolute in defending the health and wellbeing of our citizens,” he said.
