LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- The House of Representatives in Nigeria is moving to introduce stricter controls on alcohol consumption in Nigeria through a proposed law designed to reduce the harmful effects of alcohol dependence on individuals, families, and communities.
Lawmakers said the planned legislation is part of efforts to address increasing cases of substance abuse, road accidents, domestic violence, mental health problems, and youth addiction linked to excessive alcohol consumption across the country.
The proposed law, titled “A Bill for an Act to Provide for the Control, Regulation and Reduction of Alcohol-Related Harm in Nigeria,” is being sponsored by the Chairman of the House Adhoc Committee on Drug Trafficking, Tobacco and Alcohol Abuse, Mr. Oluwatimehin Adelegbe.
The bill which aims to protect minors and improve public safety has already passed first reading in the House of Representatives.
It seeks to regulate the production, importation, distribution, advertising, marketing, sale, and consumption of alcoholic drinks in the country.
Speaking in Abuja on Thursday, May 7, Adelegbe said the legislation is not intended to ban alcohol but to reduce the damage caused by irresponsible consumption.
“This bill is not about prohibition, it is about protection, responsibility, and national development. Nigeria must adopt a modern, evidence-based framework that safeguards our youth while ensuring accountability within the alcohol industry,” he said.
The lawmaker stated that the proposal followed wide consultations with public health professionals, government agencies, civil society organisations, and alcohol industry operators.
He explained that the bill aims to balance public health concerns with the business interests of manufacturers, and distributors operating in the alcohol sector.
Adelegbe also revealed that technical support for 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, he said, “This legislation represents a shift from reactive interventions to preventive systems. It aligns Nigeria with global best practices while creating a balanced framework that protects public health and allows responsible industry participation.”
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The bill, if passed into law would establish a national alcohol control framework focused on reducing alcohol-related harm and dependency in Nigeria.
It would introduce stricter rules on alcohol marketing, especially advertisements targeting young people.
Also, the proposed law would strengthen public awareness campaigns, improve data collection on alcohol abuse, enforce stricter access controls for underage persons, and support harm-reduction programmes.
The bill also seeks to align Nigeria’s alcohol policies with international public health standards already adopted in several countries.
Adelegbe urged players in the alcoholic beverage industry to participate actively during committee reviews and public hearings on the proposed legislation.
“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.
Health experts have repeatedly warned about the growing rate of alcohol dependence among Nigerian youths, linking excessive drinking to addiction, violent behaviour, drunk driving, poor mental health, and rising crime.
Concerns have also increased over weak regulation of alcohol advertising, easy access to alcoholic drinks by minors, and limited enforcement of existing laws.
Currently, Nigeria relies on scattered laws and agency guidelines to manage alcohol-related issues, unlike countries with comprehensive national alcohol control systems.
Notably, the renewed push for stronger alcohol regulation follows repeated warnings from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NAFDAC) over rising substance abuse among young Nigerians.
Many public health advocates have praised the proposed legislation, hopeful it would become one of Nigeria’s most significant health protection reforms, if it becomes a law and is properly enforced.
