Nigeria’s House of Representatives has begun moves to investigate the rising use, trafficking, and regulation of illicit drugs across Nigeria, summoning key government agencies, law enforcement bodies, and industry stakeholders to submit memoranda to aid the inquiry.
The probe, to be conducted by an ad-hoc committee chaired by Hon. Oluwatimehin Adelegbe (Owo/Ose Federal Constituency, Ondo State), follows the adoption of a House motion on the growing prevalence of drug abuse nationwide.
According to a statement issued on Sunday, the Committee has invited critical institutions including the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Federal Ministry of Health, and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to submit their input.
Also listed among those to provide memoranda are leading pharmaceutical stakeholders – the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of MAN (PMG-MAN), Emzor, Fidson, May & Baker, Juhel, Dana, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Guinness Nigeria Plc, International Distillers Limited, and representatives of the tobacco industry.
Law enforcement agencies expected to participate include the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigerian Correctional Service, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, and the Nigerian Medical Association.
Other professional and civil society groups such as the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, Nigerian Bar Association, Civil Society Network on Substance Abuse, and the National Youth Council of Nigeria have also been invited to make submissions.
In addition, development partners including the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), World Health Organisation (WHO), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), US Agency for International Development (USAID), and UNICEF are expected to contribute to the process.
Adelegbe said the Committee’s mandate includes examining the root causes of drug abuse, identifying institutional weaknesses and regulatory lapses, and developing practical recommendations to strengthen national drug control mechanisms.
“In view of the mandate and the urgency attached to it, the Committee has resolved to interface with relevant stakeholders and other Nigerians to identify the causes and proffer lasting solutions,” the statement read.
He urged individuals and organisations to submit memoranda addressing their concerns, recommendations, and proposed interventions to guide the Committee’s report, which will be submitted to the House for further legislative action.
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