In a significant move to address one of Nigeria's most pressing public health and security challenges, the House of Representatives has initiated a comprehensive investigative hearing into the rising menace of drug abuse, illicit trafficking, alcohol, and tobacco misuse. The session, held in Abuja, marked the official commencement of the Ad-Hoc Committee on Drugs, Trafficking, Alcohol, and Tobacco Abuse's work. Chaired by Hon. Dr. Oluwatimehin Adelegbe, the committee has been tasked with uncovering systemic failures, enforcing accountability, and proposing reforms to safeguard the nation's future.
Guard Time Information, Human Rights Activists Nationwide, was officially invited by the Chairman of the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Drugs and Illicit Trafficking, Hon. Dr. Oluwatimehin Adelegbe, and the Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Drugs and Illicit Trafficking, along with other members. The occasion was honored by NDLEA, NAFDAC, Customs, Immigration, EFCC, POLICE, SON, FAAN, FCCPC, and various NGOs, CSOs, State Governments, and international organizations.
The event drew a diverse array of stakeholders, including representatives from key law enforcement and regulatory agencies such as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nigeria Police Force, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC). Also in attendance were numerous non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society organizations (CSOs), state government representatives, and international bodies, highlighting the multi-faceted approach required to tackle this crisis.
Opening the proceedings, Hon. Dr. Oluwatimehin Adelegbe emphasized the gravity of the situation under the directive of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., GCON. Adelegbe noted that the Speaker is deeply committed to eradicating drug trafficking, particularly as abuse of alcohol and tobacco continues to surge across the country. He described the convergence of substance abuse, illicit trafficking, unregulated pharmaceutical practices, predatory marketing of alcohol, and aggressive tobacco promotion as a "dangerous crisis" threatening public health, youth safety, and national security. "We gather under the mandate of the Nigerian people and the solemn weight of a national emergency," Adelegbe stated, underscoring that the committee's mission is to investigate, protect, reform, and ultimately save lives.
Prof. Jerry Sonny Ugokwe, Ph.D., Chairman of the Special Committee on Campaign Against Social Vices in Secondary and Tertiary Institutions, voiced profound alarm over the increasing involvement of primary and secondary school students in drug-related activities. He highlighted how young learners are increasingly exposed to and engaged in substance abuse, which undermines educational progress and societal development. Prof. Ugokwe expressed optimism that, with the backing of the Ad-Hoc Committee and collaborative efforts from various sectors, significant strides could be made toward curbing these vices and achieving long-term goals of a drug-free educational environment.
A key highlight was the contribution from Mr. Bibi Oduku, Chairman of Guard Time Information, Human Rights Activists Nationwide, who was formally invited to the session. Oduku painted a grim picture of the societal toll exacted by drug trafficking and substance abuse, pointing to alarming rates of deaths from overdoses, addiction-related health complications, and drug-fueled crimes. He stressed the devastating impact on families, communities, and the economy, where productivity is eroded by addiction and violence. Oduku called for enhanced collaboration between civil society groups like his organization and federal law enforcement agencies to apprehend traffickers, abusers, and unscrupulous pharmaceutical companies producing substandard, unconsumable, or expired products.
He revealed that investigative units operated by Guard Time Information across various states have documented numerous cases of drug trafficking and distribution networks. By consolidating intelligence from these reports, Oduku pledged his organization's full support and partnership with agencies like the NDLEA and others to dismantle these operations and bring perpetrators to justice. This grassroots-level insight underscored the need for community-driven monitoring alongside official enforcement efforts.
Dr. Femi Ajayi, National Project Officer of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Abuja, reaffirmed his organization's commitment to supporting developmental programs aimed at combating drug-related issues in Nigeria. Drawing from global data, including the UNODC's 2025 World Drug Report, he noted that Nigeria's drug use prevalence remains significantly higher than the global average, with cannabis being the most abused substance. Dr. Ajayi assured participants that UNODC would continue providing technical expertise and resources to bolster national strategies, emphasizing a balanced approach involving prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and law enforcement.
Comrade Efe Andrew, Special Assistant to the Governor of Edo State on Drug Abuse, shared insights into ongoing state-level initiatives to combat trafficking and associated crimes. He praised the Edo State Governor's proactive measures, including awareness campaigns, rehabilitation programs, and enforcement drives. However, Andrew highlighted the limitations faced by states without sufficient federal backing, particularly in terms of legal frameworks and resources. He appealed for stronger support from the Presidency and federal agencies to provide the necessary legislative and operational empowerment for sustained impact.
Closing the assurances, Amb. Yusuf Salisu Nas, Head of Volunteers at A New Thing International Foundation and Lead Consultant to the Ad-Hoc Committee, conveyed a message of unwavering resolve. He reminded attendees that the committee operates under direct instructions from Speaker Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, who views the fight against drug trafficking and abuse as a top priority for the 10th House of Representatives. Amb. Nas assured NGOs, CSOs, and all participants of the committee's dedication, with Hon. Dr. Oluwatimehin Adelegbe and members committed to exhaustive efforts to rescue Nigeria from this scourge.
This investigative hearing represents a pivotal step in Nigeria's battle against drug abuse and trafficking, a crisis that has been described as eroding the nation's social fabric. With stakeholders from government, law enforcement, civil society, and international partners united, there is renewed hope for policy reforms, stronger regulations, enhanced enforcement, and community-based interventions. The committee's findings are expected to inform legislative actions, potentially leading to amendments in relevant laws and the development of a more robust National Drug Control Master Plan.
As Nigeria grapples with over 14 percent of its population aged 15-64 affected by drug use—far above global averages—the outcomes of this probe could prove transformative. By addressing root causes such as porous borders, weak regulatory oversight, predatory corporate practices, and inadequate treatment facilities, the House aims to protect vulnerable youth, reduce crime, and foster a healthier society. The collaborative spirit evident in Abuja signals a collective determination to turn the tide against this national emergency, ensuring a safer and more prosperous future for generations to come.
