Reps to Consider Bill on National Alcohol Control Framework

The House of Representatives is set to consider a bill aimed at establishing a comprehensive national framework for the regulation and control of alcohol consumption in Nigeria.

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 Adhoc Committee on Drug Trafficking, Tobacco and Alcohol Abuse, Oluwatimehin Adelegbe.

The bill, which has already passed first reading in the House, seeks to regulate the production, importation, distribution, marketing, and consumption of alcohol across the country, with a major focus on protecting public health and reducing alcohol-related harm, especially among minors.

Speaking on the proposed legislation, Adelegbe described the bill as a timely intervention designed to address the growing social, economic, and health challenges associated with alcohol misuse in Nigeria.

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According to him, the legislation is not intended to prohibit alcohol consumption but to introduce responsible and evidence-based regulations capable of safeguarding public health while ensuring accountability within the alcohol industry.

The lawmaker disclosed that the bill was developed following consultations with government agencies, civil society groups, public health experts, alcohol manufacturers, and distributors. Technical support for drafting the legislation was reportedly provided by A New Thing International Foundation, led by Ambassador Kenneth Anetor.

Anetor said the proposed framework represents a shift from reactive responses to preventive systems in tackling alcohol-related issues, adding that the bill aligns Nigeria with global best practices on alcohol regulation and public health governance.

If eventually passed into law, the legislation is expected to introduce stricter controls on alcohol marketing and accessibility, strengthen public awareness campaigns, improve harm-reduction strategies, and promote data-driven policy implementation and enforcement nationwide.

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The House committee also urged stakeholders in the alcohol industry, development partners, and civil society organisations to participate actively in public hearings and committee engagements during the legislative process.

Supporters of the bill argue that Nigeria needs stronger alcohol control policies to address rising public health concerns, road accidents, youth addiction, and alcohol-related violence. However, industry observers are expected to closely monitor the bill over possible concerns relating to regulation, taxation, and commercial impact on manufacturers and distributors.