Reps committee step up fight against drug abuse

The House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Drugs and Illicit Trafficking has intensified efforts to curb substance abuse in Nigeria, pledging stronger legislative backing and deeper collaboration with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC.

The Committee, led by Hon. Timehin Adelegbe, made the commitment during a courtesy visit to the Agency’s headquarters as part of its oversight and fact-finding mandate.

Speaking during the engagement, Adelegbe described drug and alcohol abuse as a national emergency with grave implications for public health, security and socio-economic stability.

“Drug abuse is destroying our youths, destabilising families and contributing to crime across the country. This is not just a health issue; it is a national security concern,” he said. 

We are here to strengthen synergy with NAFDAC and ensure that existing laws are effective in addressing illicit drug trafficking and substance abuse.”

He noted that the visit was aimed at understanding the Agency’s operational challenges and identifying areas where legislative intervention could improve regulatory efficiency.

“As lawmakers, we are prepared to review and strengthen relevant laws to empower NAFDAC to perform its duties without hindrance. Where there are gaps, we will work to close them,” Adelegbe added.

The Committee also assured the Agency of sustained parliamentary support in the fight against counterfeit, substandard and illicit drugs, stressing that effective regulation of medicines and controlled substances remains critical to national development

Responding, the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, welcomed the lawmakers and commended the House for prioritising drug control and public health protection.

We appreciate this visit and the commitment of the Committee to collaborate with us. Tackling drug abuse and illicit trafficking requires strong institutional partnerships and clear legislative support,” she said.

Adeyeye highlighted ongoing enforcement challenges, particularly in the regulation of alcohol packaging and marketing, as well as the disturbing rise in underage alcohol consumption.

“The issue of alcohol consumption among minors is deeply concerning. We need stronger enforcement frameworks and legislative backing to ensure compliance and protect vulnerable groups,” she stated.

She emphasised that while NAFDAC has continued to intensify surveillance, enforcement and public awareness campaigns, the complexity of illicit drug networks demands coordinated national action.

With sustained collaboration between the legislature and regulatory agencies, we can significantly reduce the availability of illicit drugs and safeguard the health and future of Nigerians,” the NAFDAC boss said.

Culled from vanguard