The House of Representatives has passed for second reading a bill seeking to establish a comprehensive national framework for alcohol control in Nigeria, aimed at addressing alcohol-related harm and strengthening public health governance across the country.
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 Ad-hoc Committee on Drug Trafficking, Tobacco, and Alcohol Abuse, brought to the House by Hon. Oluwatimehin Adelegbe, reports Daily Independent.
The bill seeks to regulate the production, importation, distribution, marketing, and consumption of alcohol, while prioritising public health protection, particularly for minors and vulnerable groups.
Leading the debate on the general principles of the bill during plenary, Adelegbe described the proposed legislation as a timely and evidence-based response to the growing social, economic, and health challenges associated with alcohol abuse in Nigeria.
According to him, the bill is not intended to prohibit alcohol consumption, but to establish a responsible and modern regulatory framework that promotes accountability within the alcohol industry and protects public health.
“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.
Adelegbe explained that the bill was developed following extensive consultations with key stakeholders, including government agencies, public health experts, civil society organisations, alcohol manufacturers, and distributors.
He added that technical support for the bill was provided by 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 legislation represents a shift from reactive interventions to preventive systems capable of reducing alcohol-related harm while allowing responsible industry participation.
If passed into law, the bill will establish a national alcohol control framework, introduce stricter regulations on alcohol marketing and access, especially for minors, strengthen public awareness campaigns, promote harm-reduction strategies, and support data-driven policy implementation and enforcement mechanisms.
The proposed legislation also seeks to align Nigeria with international public health standards and global best practices on alcohol control.
Adelegbe called on stakeholders in the alcohol industry to actively participate in the legislative process through committee reviews and public hearings, noting that the process presents an opportunity to contribute to balanced and sustainable regulations.
He also urged non-governmental organisations, development partners, and international institutions to support the process, describing the bill as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s public health and policy reform efforts.
The bill was subsequently referred to the relevant House Committee for further legislative action.
