House of Representatives advances an alcohol control bill aimed at reducing substance abuse and protecting minors in Nigeria

The House of Representatives has begun moves to establish a sweeping national framework for regulating alcohol consumption in Nigeria through a proposed alcohol control bill aimed at tackling rising substance abuse and related social problems.

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The legislation, titled “A Bill for an Act to Provide for the Control, Regulation and Reduction of Alcohol-Related Harm in Nigeria,” is sponsored by Oluwatimehin Adelegbe, Chairman of the House Adhoc Committee on Drug Trafficking, Tobacco and Alcohol Abuse.

The proposed law, which has already passed first reading, seeks to regulate the production, importation, distribution, marketing, advertisement and consumption of alcoholic beverages while introducing stronger protections for minors and vulnerable groups.

Speaking in Abuja on Thursday, Adelegbe described the alcohol control bill as a major public health intervention designed to address the growing impact of alcohol abuse on security, road safety, domestic violence and youth development.

“This bill is not about prohibition. It is about protection, responsibility, and national development,” the lawmaker said.

“Nigeria must adopt a modern, evidence-based framework that safeguards our youth while ensuring accountability within the alcohol industry.”

According to Adelegbe, the proposed legislation followed extensive consultations with public health experts, government agencies, civil society organisations and industry stakeholders.

The lawmaker said the bill was carefully designed to balance public health concerns with the legitimate interests of businesses operating within the alcoholic beverage industry.

Adelegbe disclosed that technical contributions to the bill were provided by A New Thing International Foundation, led by Kenneth Anetor.

Quoting Anetor, the lawmaker said the proposed framework represented a shift from reactive interventions to preventive systems aligned with international standards.

If passed into law, the alcohol control bill would establish a comprehensive national alcohol policy framework, strengthen restrictions on alcohol marketing and underage access, improve enforcement mechanisms and expand public awareness campaigns on alcohol-related harm.

The proposed legislation would also enhance data collection systems and align Nigeria’s alcohol regulation policies with global public health standards.

Adelegbe urged manufacturers, distributors and other industry operators to participate actively during committee reviews and public hearings to ensure the final framework remains practical and sustainable.

“The process of the bill is a unique opportunity for industry leaders to contribute to shaping balanced and sustainable regulations,” he said.

The move comes amid growing concern among health professionals, security agencies and advocacy groups over increasing rates of alcohol and substance abuse, particularly among young Nigerians.

Experts have repeatedly warned that the absence of a unified national alcohol policy has contributed to weak enforcement, widespread advertising and easy access to alcohol by minors.

Nigeria currently relies on fragmented regulations and agency guidelines rather than a dedicated national alcohol control framework.

Public health advocates argue that rising cases of addiction, drunk driving, violent crimes and mental health disorders linked to substance abuse require a more coordinated and preventive national response.

The debate has also intensified alongside growing concerns raised by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency over increasing substance dependence among youths across the country.

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Stakeholders believe the proposed reforms could emerge as one of Nigeria’s most far-reaching public health initiatives in recent years if fully implemented.