By Joyce Remi – Babayeju
The House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Drugs and Illicit Trafficking, and
the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) are to join forces against illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria.
The deal was struck when the House Committee Chairman, Hon. Timehin Adelegbe, led House members on a courtesy call to the NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, in her office in Abuja recently.
Speaking in her office, Adelegbe said that the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration with the agency on how to tackle illicit drug inflow into the country.
He commended her steadfast leadership in combating drug abuse and safeguarding public health in the country.
Hon. Adelegbe emphasized the far-reaching consequences of drug and alcohol abuse across all age groups, noting the negative impact of substance abuse, which continues to undermine families, communities, and national security.
According to the House Chairman the visit was part of the committee’s oversight function and a strategic move to deepen partnership with NAFDAC in formulating effective legislation to curb illicit drug trafficking, address alcohol abuse, and ensure proper regulation of the sale and use of medicines in Nigeria.
He acknowledged NAFDAC’s critical role in protecting public health and affirmed the committee’s readiness to support legislative measures that would grant the agency greater autonomy to carry out its mandate effectively and without undue interference.
He added that the oversight engagement would enable the committee to better understand the operational challenges facing NAFDAC as a regulator and to identify areas where the National Assembly can provide necessary support.
The committee further recognized the strong link between drug and alcohol abuse and the prevailing security challenges in the country, pledging to provide the legislative backing required to strengthen enforcement and stem the tide of substance abuse nationwide.
In her response, Prof. Adeyeye expressed appreciation to the committee for the visit and its commitment to collaborative engagement.
She highlighted some challenges faced by the agency in enforcing the ban on the production and sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets and PET bottles below 200 ml.
The Director-General highlighted the grave health and mental implications of alcohol consumption among individuals under 18 years of age.
She revealed that both NAFDAC and independent investigators have conducted surveys on underage alcohol consumption, with findings described as alarming and deeply concerning.
Prof. Adeyeye urged stakeholders and the National Assembly to support NAFDAC’s public health mandate.
“Industry is driven by money, but NAFDAC is driven by health and social consequences,” she stated.
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