The House of Representatives has begun moves to introduce a nationwide framework aimed at tightening the regulation of alcohol production, marketing and consumption in Nigeria, as lawmakers seek to curb the growing social and health consequences of substance abuse.
The proposed legislation, titled “A Bill for an Act to Provide for the Control, Regulation and Reduction of Alcohol-Related Harm in Nigeria,” is sponsored by the Chairman of the House Adhoc Committee on Drug Trafficking, Tobacco and Alcohol Abuse, Oluwatimehin Adelegbe.
The bill, which has passed first reading, proposes stricter controls on the production, importation, distribution, advertising and sale of alcoholic beverages across the country. It also seeks to introduce stronger protections for minors and other vulnerable groups.
Adelegbe while speaking in Abuja on Thursday, said the initiative was aimed at tackling the increasing impact of alcohol abuse on public health, security, road safety, domestic violence and youth development.
“This bill is not about prohibition. it is about protection, responsibility and national development,” he said.
“Nigeria must adopt a modern, evidence-based framework that safeguards our youth while ensuring accountability within the alcohol industry.”
According to the lawmaker, the proposed legislation followed consultations with government agencies, public health experts, civil society organisations and industry stakeholders.
He explained that the bill was designed to balance public health concerns with the interests of manufacturers and distributors operating in the alcohol sector.
Adelegbe also revealed that technical contributions to the bill came from A New Thing International Foundation, led by Ambassador Kenneth Anetor, who serves as Lead Consultant to the House Committee on Drug Trafficking, Tobacco and Alcohol Abuse.
Quoting Anetor, the lawmaker said the proposed law marked a transition from “reactive interventions to preventive systems,” adding that it would align Nigeria with global best practices while allowing responsible industry participation.
If passed into law, the legislation would establish a national alcohol control framework, strengthen restrictions on alcohol advertising and underage access, improve enforcement and data collection systems, and expand public awareness and harm-reduction campaigns.
The bill would also align Nigeria’s alcohol control policies with international public health standards.
Adelegbe urged stakeholders in the alcoholic beverage industry to actively participate in the legislative process as the bill advances through committee reviews and public hearings.
He said industry engagement would be critical in developing regulations that are both effective and sustainable.
“The process of the bill is a unique 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 added.
The move comes amid mounting concerns from health professionals, law enforcement agencies and advocacy groups over rising rates of alcohol and substance abuse, particularly among young Nigerians.
Stakeholders have long argued that the absence of a comprehensive national alcohol policy has led to weak enforcement, unchecked advertising and easy access to alcohol by minors.
Unlike several countries with dedicated alcohol control laws, Nigeria currently relies on a mix of fragmented regulations, agency guidelines and state-level policies.
Public health experts have warned that increasing cases of addiction, drunk driving, violent crime and mental health disorders linked to substance abuse require a more coordinated national response.
The push for stronger alcohol regulation has also gained momentum amid growing national attention on drug abuse, following repeated warnings by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency over rising substance dependence among youths.
Observers say the proposed legislation could emerge as one of Nigeria’s most significant public health reforms in recent years if successfully passed and implemented.