The House of Representatives has invited a wide range of stakeholders from regulatory agencies and pharmaceutical firms to global development partners to submit memoranda ahead of its planned investigation into the growing prevalence, trafficking, and regulation of illicit drugs across Nigeria.
Those expected to make submissions include the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Federal Ministries of Health and Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). The Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (PMG-MAN), alongside major pharmaceutical companies such as Emzor, Fidson, May & Baker, Juhel, and Dana, have also been invited.
The invitation extends to leading beverage and tobacco industry players, including Nigerian Breweries Plc, Guinness Nigeria Plc, and International Distillers Limited, as well as representatives of the tobacco industry.
Law enforcement and professional bodies expected to contribute include the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigerian Correctional Service, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), and the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).
Others on the list are the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Civil Society Network on Substance Abuse (CSN-SA), and the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN).
In addition, international development partners such as 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 United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have been invited to provide technical input.
The invitations follow the House’s earlier resolution to set up an Ad-hoc Committee on Drug Abuse, Trafficking, and Regulation, chaired by Hon. Oluwatimehin Adelegbe, who represents Owo/Ose Federal Constituency in Ondo State. The committee was constituted to investigate the prevalence of drug and substance abuse, assess the effectiveness of existing laws, and recommend reforms to strengthen national drug control mechanisms.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Adelegbe said the committee’s mandate includes examining the root causes of drug abuse, identifying institutional and regulatory lapses, and proposing sustainable solutions.
“In view of the mandate and the urgency attached to it, the committee has resolved to interface with relevant stakeholders and other Nigerians with a view to identifying the causes and proffering a solution,” the lawmaker stated.
He urged individuals, organisations, and experts to submit memoranda addressing concerns, recommendations, and proposed interventions, noting that the committee’s findings will form the basis of a comprehensive report to be presented to the House for further legislative action.
The House’s probe comes amid increasing concern over the rising cases of drug abuse and trafficking across Nigeria, particularly among the youth, which experts warn poses serious threats to public health, security, and national productivity.
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