The House of Representatives has called for active stakeholders’ participation in the proposed legislation for the control, regulation and reduction of alcohol-related harm in Nigeria.

The chairman of the House Ad-hoc Committee on Drug Trafficking, Tobacco and Alcohol Abuse, Oluwatimehin Adelegbe (APC-Ondo), made the call in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

Mr Adelegbe explained that the bill seeks to regulate the production, importation, distribution, marketing and consumption of alcohol, while prioritising the protection of minors and public health.

According to Mr Adelegbe, the bill, which has scaled first reading in the House of Representatives, represents a bold legislative response to the growing public health as well as social and economic challenges associated with alcohol misuse across the country.

Mr Adelegbe, who is the sponsor of the bill, said that it was not about prohibition but about protection, responsibility and national development.

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

“The bill seeks to establish a national alcohol control framework, introduce regulations on marketing and access, especially for minors.

“It seeks to strengthen public awareness and harm-reduction strategies, promote data-driven policy and enforcement mechanisms, while aligning Nigeria with international public health standards,” he said.

The lawmaker said that the bill required extensive consultations and engagement with key stakeholders, such as government agencies, public health experts, civil society organisations (CSOs), and industry stakeholders, including alcohol producers and distributors.

“We urge alcohol industry stakeholders to actively engage in the legislative process as the bill progresses through the readings, committee reviews and public hearings.

“The process avails the 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 chairman invited non-governmental organisations, development partners and international organisations to participate in the legislative process, describing the bill as a critical milestone in Nigeria’s public health and policy reform landscape.

Mr Adelegbe said that the efforts would position Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s evolving alcohol policy space, signalling readiness for stronger collaboration with global health and policy institutions. 

(NAN)