By Ireti Asemota.
The House of Representatives’ Ad Hoc Committee investigating the alleged rising cases of drug trafficking and alcohol abuse has pledged to hold offenders accountable and safeguard public safety.
In a statement on Sunday, Committee Chairman Rep. Timeyin Adelegbe, representing the APC in Ondo State, emphasized that Nigeria must not become a hub for illegal drugs, harmful products, predatory marketing, or unethical business practices.
As part of its efforts, the committee plans to organize multi-stakeholder conferences in Abuja and Lagos to gather insights from Nigerians on strategies to combat the menace. Adelegbe said this initiative responds to growing public concern over a national crisis affecting health, youth safety, corporate responsibility, and the integrity of regulatory and trade systems.
“The committee is determined to fulfill its constitutional role by investigating and exposing corporate and institutional practices that contribute to drug, alcohol, and tobacco abuse in Nigeria,” Adelegbe stated. “Our responsibility is to scrutinize the actions of businesses in these sectors and ensure full compliance with Nigerian laws, regulations, and ethical obligations.”
The committee has already collected evidence, conducted public hearings, and held strategic conferences in Lagos targeting the pharmaceutical, alcohol, and tobacco sectors, as well as port authorities, government agencies, NGOs, and regulatory bodies in Abuja. These gatherings are designed to serve as platforms for policy dialogue, expert recommendations, and the drafting of actionable legislative reforms.
Adelegbe warned that any attempt to mislead the committee, hide information, or falsify data will be treated as contempt of the National Assembly under Section 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). He reiterated that the investigation is grounded in truth, transparency, and accountability.
“The committee’s work is not a witch hunt but a patriotic effort to protect Nigerians’ health, uphold ethical business practices, and prevent toxic products, illegal drugs, and predatory marketing from being dumped in the country,” Adelegbe said. “We remain steadfast in defending the well-being of the Nigerian people.”
